Record-breaking Squid Caught in New Zealand

Fishermen in New Zealand have caught what is expected to be a world-record-breaking colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). See articles here and here.

The squid weighs an estimated 990 pounds and took two hours to land in Antarctic waters. The squid was about 33 feet long, and was the first adult colossal squid caught intact. If it were used to make calamari rings, they would be the size of tractor tires!

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.

See a related post on squids here.