Scientists at Te Papa Tongarewa, New Zealand’s national museum, have begun dissection of a colossal female squid this week, already the finds are worth documenting. The largest squid ever captured, is providing scientist with astounding insight into this mysterious creature of the deep. The first noticeable wonder on the over 1,000 pound squid was her eyes. Measuring in at 10.6 inches, just about equal to the size of a soccer ball, they are the largest eyeballs ever recorded for any known animal.

Perhaps the most fascinating thing learned thus far are two rows of bio-luminescent organs, called photophores, located under each eye. Scientists state that the “lights”  are used to mask the squids attack of its prey. All the future meal would see was these small lights coming at it, due to the depth of over 3,000 feet; the lights would shield the squid from sight until it was too late. One problem comes from eating at such depths, most things consumed likely “glow” as well. But the colossal squid has a solution to keep its tummy from becoming a neon sign pointing out its location. The squids mantle (head) is filled with deep dark red pigment that shields any predators or prey from seeing anything within its stomach that might be sending out a glowing warning.

As fish numbers increase in the antarctic so do accidental catching of colossal squid, leaving scientists with the want to set up some form of conservation efforts to protect these mysterious creatures from becoming endangered or worse.

To read this article in its entirity please visit: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/05/080501-giant-squid_2.html

Giant Frozen Squid. photo by: Hideki Saito

A giant female Squid caught by a New Zealand fishing boat in the Antarctic last year, is finally set to undergo dissection Te Papa. The squid weighed in at an astounding 490kilograms, or 1,080 pounds! Up until its capture, the squid has remained frozen, and is now in the process of being thawed out for dissection at the museum. The museum is planning on having a web video of the procedure, for those who want to watch. Scientists are hoping to find what this enourmous squid has been eating, by removing the stomach and examining its contents. The dissection should take a couple of days to complete.

To read the entire article (and to find the link to the dissection, live feed) please visit ONENEWS at:  http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/1318360/1746926

Photo provided by http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/ (the use of this photo does not suggest  creative commons endorses this article or veiw points presented on this topic)

For reasons unknown, massive groups of Humboldt Squid have left their native waters in South America and can now be found all the way up to Alaskan waters. The Humboldt Squid is most commonly found between Tierra del Fuego at the southernmost tip of the South American and the U.S. state of California. Recent findings do however suggest that the species is spreading north into the waters of Oregon, Washington, British Columbia and even Alaska.

The Humboldt Squid can reach a size of 2 meters (7 feet) and weigh 45 kg (100 pounds). Due to its impressive size, it is known under names such as Jumbo Squid and Jumbo Flying Squid. In Spanish speaking parts of South America, it is called Diablo Rojo which means Red Devil. The creature is equipped with 10 arms and a really sharp beak. It is known for its aggressiveness, but research suggests that these animals are only aggressive during feeding time. During feeding frenzies, they have no problem retorting to cannibalism. When not feeding, they seem to be fairly docile.

If you want to learn more about this aggressive predatory squid and its newfound wanderlust, KQED has devoted the Season 2 Web Premiere of the program QUEST to the Humboldt Squid (Dosidicus gigas). QUEST is a TV, radio, web, and education series that explores science, environment and nature in Northern California. You can find the episode here: http://www.kqed.org/quest/blog/2008/03/26/quest-season-2-web-premiere-the-fierce-humboldt-squid/