VIDEO: Scientists dissect extremely rare colossal squid

It’s huuuge.

VIDEO: Scientists dissect extremely rare colossal squid

Back in December, some New Zealand fisherman in the remote Ross Sea off Antarctica caught something a bit surprising - this colossal squid.

Captain John Bennett of the San Aspiring with the colossal squid he and his crew caught off Antarctica

The colossal squid (not to be confused with the giant squid - they’re different species) is very rarely seen by humans, living as it does thousands of feet beneath the ocean’s surface. In fact, this specimen was only the second adult ever to be found intact.

Amazingly, the first - which is on display in the Te Papa museum - was caught by the same fisherman that caught the second - seven years later.

And as well as being mysterious, they are also huge - with eyes as big as dinner plates and barbed tentacles as thick as fire hoses.

This female was 11 feet long, weighed 350 kilograms and was caught a mile below the surface.

A scientist holds one of the squid's barbed tentacles. Pic:(AP/Nick Perry)

The squid was put in cold storage for almost nine months until Tuesday when a group of scientists from a New Zealand University thawed it out and dissected it live on camera. A forklift was needed to transport it.

The video of the dissection is three hours long but well worth a quick look.

As well as three hearts (one to pump blood around the body and two for the gills), the scientists also found eggs during the procedure..

"We were excited to find that out, as it turns out this one is a female, and it has got some eggs," Dr Kat Bolstad told reporters.

"This was by far the most perfect colossal squid that I have seen."

It is believed both the colossal and giant squids are responsible for the legend of the Kraken - a terrifying creature from the depths that attacks ships.

We can see how those vicious rumours started.

Gulp.

more courts articles

Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother Man (25) in court charged with murdering his father and attempted murder of mother
Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van Man appears in court charged with false imprisonment of woman in van
Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman Man in court over alleged false imprisonment of woman

More in this section

Smartwatch with health app. Glowing neon icon on brick wall background Health watch: How much health data is healthy? 
Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future Cork's wild salmon warrior Sally Ferns Barnes looks to the future
(C)2024 Disney. Disneyland Paris – Disneyland Hotel Re-Opening Watch: Iconic Disneyland Paris hotel re-opens after two year renovation
ieParenting Logo
Writers ieParenting

Our team of experts are on hand to offer advice and answer your questions here

Your digital cookbook

ieStyle Live 2021 Logo
ieStyle Live 2021 Logo

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Discover the great outdoors on Ireland's best walking trails

IE Logo
Outdoor Trails

Lifestyle
Newsletter

The best food, health, entertainment and lifestyle content from the Irish Examiner, direct to your inbox.

Sign up
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy Brand Safety FAQ Help Contact Us Terms and Conditions

© Examiner Echo Group Limited