Colossal squid pulled from Antarctic

Biologists in New Zealand say a female Colossal squid, weighing some 350kg, was carrying eggs when discovered in the Antarctic. It is only the second intact specimen of Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni ever caught

Global range of M. hamiltoni

SOUTH AFRICA
SOUTH AMERICA
ANTARCTICA
NEW ZEALAND
AUSTRALIA

Southern Ocean
Ross Sea

Captain John Bennett shows squid caught in remote Ross Sea by crew of toothfish boat San Aspiring

Giant Pacific octopus, Octopus dofleini: Largest of over 100 officially recognised species. Length: Up to 10m (arm to arm)

Colossal squid: Armed with scores of razor-sharp hooks to snag prey and fend off attack from sperm whales. Length: Up to 14m   

Sources: Auckland University, Sanford fishing company
Picture: Associated Press

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