BREAKING NEWS! A colossal squid has been caught in the Ross Sea by New Zealand fishmen. It weighed in at about 450kg and was 10m long. The giant squid is longer, but the colossal squid is heavier. They are not related.

It was hauled to the surface while munching on one of its favourite foods, a Patagonian toothfish which the fishermen had hooked on a longline.

"The decision was taken that the chances of survival were not good, and in the interests of science it should be taken on board," Geoff Dolan, an observer with New Zealand's Ministry of Fisheries said.

(Source: Colossal squid hooked with rings the size of tractor tyres)

Colossal squid, known by the scientific name Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, are estimated to grow up to 46 feet long and have long been one of the most mysterious creatures of the deep ocean.

"I can assure you that this is going to draw phenomenal interest. It is truly amazing," said Dr. Steve O'Shea, a squid expert at the Auckland University of Technology. If calamari rings were made from the squid they would be the size of tractor tires, he added.

Colossal squid can descend to 6,500 feet and are extremely active, aggressive hunters, he said.

(Source: Colossal Squid Caught Off Antarctica)

(Blog Source: xenogere)

Tags: science news, colossal squid