Record Breaking Colossal Squid landed in NZ

Grant · #1 23-Feb-2007, 00:27

New Zealand fishermen have caught what is expected to be a world-record-breaking colossal squid.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said the squid, weighing an estimated 450kg (990lb),took two hours to land in Antarctic waters. Local news said the Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni was about 10m (33ft) long, and was the first adult colossal squid landed intact.

Colossal squid, which are found deep in Antarctic waters, are thought to be about the same length as giant squid (Architeutis dux) but are much heavier. The species was first identified in 1925, but very few specimens have been found.
BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | NZ fishermen land colossal squid

Kiwi · #2 23-Feb-2007, 13:10

Its amazing really. Also to think that NZ has the first adult ever landed

Does anyone know what will happen to it? Can it be preserved for public viewing or anything?

Grant · #3 14-Mar-2007, 09:01

The largest intact specimen of a colossal squid is on its way to Wellington's Te Papa Museum.

The huge specimen was hauled from the deep last month by New Zealand fishermen in Antarctic waters then kept in a cool store in Timaru.

Early estimates put the squid at 10m in length and weighing up to 450kg

Grant · #4 22-Mar-2007, 23:11

An industrial-scale microwave oven may have to be used to defrost a colossal squid caught in the Antarctic last month, scientists say.
They are pondering how to thaw out the half-tonne squid in a way that makes sure none of it rots before other parts have defrosted.

The squid has been kept frozen since it was caught by New Zealand fisherman in deep Antarctic waters in February.

BBC NEWS | World | Asia-Pacific | Microwave plan for colossal squid