The Colossal Squid Thaw
05/01/2008
In January of 2007, fisherman off the coast of Antarctica hauled in a barely alive, 1000-pound Colossal Squid. The 25-foot long squid is the largest specimen ever to cross paths with humans, though apparently these suckers can grow to a length of over 45 feet. Since its scientific appropriation at the Te Papa Institute in New Zealand, the beast has been preserved on ice while scientists decide on the best way to thaw the specimen.
After more than a year of trial and error, the squid was defrosted yesterday in a tank of salt water. Scientists determined the squid to be a female and to have the largest known eyes in the animal kingdom. The sizable cephalopod guarantees the Te Papa Museum—where the preserved squid will be on permanent display—a steady stream of grossed-out children and hoards of dumbstruck museum visitors for decades.
Posted in Science/Technology | Permalink
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