It Came From Down Under
Lurking fathoms below the surface of the ocean is a creature so elusive it has never been seen alive. Researchers have pursued it in air-tight pods, as if searching for the existence of alien life in outerspace. They travel down to the darkest depths of the ocean for a glimpse of one of the most mysterious animals on earth: The Giant Squid.
Now scientists at the American Museum of Natural History have the unique opportunity to examine an intact giant squid accidentally caught off the coast of New Zealand in deep-sea fishing nets. Occasionally these leviathans, which are the world's largest invertebrates, or
animals without backbones, become tangled in fishing gear and get hauled to shore. No giant squid has ever survived this
trauma, and carcasses are generally thrown back into the sea.
After it was caught in December 1997, the
giant squid now at the Museum was preserved on ice until it arrived in New York City on June 10,
1998. It is one of nearly 200 giant squids that have either washed ashore or been snagged in fishing nets in more than 100
years. In 1874, one of these beasts caught by a fisherman in Newfoundland was put on public display to help seafarers learn
about the mythical beasts said to pull boats underwater. Jules Verne's famous story, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,
later popularized the myth of the sea monster with a bird-like beak (right) and wild, waving arms.
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Giant squids, which are closely related
to octopus, have eight "arms" lined with circular suckers, and two long tentacles with suckers on the ends that are used to
grab prey. The Museum's squid has 15-foot-long tentacles, and a 10-foot-long mantle, or body, and it weighs about 200 pounds.
This is relatively small for a giant squid, which can grow to 60 feet long and weigh 1,000 pounds. A hard beak comprises its
mouth opening, and its eyes are the largest in the animal world -- the size of a volleyball -- not that there is much to see
at depths of 2,300 feet below the ocean's surface, where scientists think giant squids live.
For now, the Museum's giant squid will reside
behind-the-scenes as it is prepared to go on exhibit in the future. Then, it may be stationed near the 43-foot-long giant
squid replica, hanging in the New Hall of Biodiversity. Check back soon for more details.
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