New Zealand fishermen may have caught the largest Colossal squid ever found after landing one 450kg in weight and with rings the size of tyres.
The adult Colossal squid ( Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) was caught by fishermen long lining for toothfish in deep ocean off Antarctica, New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said.
The squid was still alive when caught and was eating a hooked toothfish when hauled aboard, Mr Anderton said in a statement.
The adult Colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) caught by New Zealand fishermen in deep ocean off Antarctica
"The squid was almost dead when it reached the surface, and the careful work of the crew was paramount in getting this specimen aboard in good condition," the minister said.
The crew stopped winching in the longline for two hours, while the squid was manoeuvred into a cargo net and hauled aboard.
The squid was frozen in the ship's hull and brought back to New Zealand for scientific examination.
"The Colossal squid . . . is likely that it is the first intact adult male Colossal squid to ever be successfully landed," Mr Anderton said.
Colossal squid are one of the most mysterious creatures in the deep ocean, growing up to 12 to 14 metres in length.
Local media said early estimates put the squid at 10 metres in length and weighing 450kg, 150kg heavier than the next biggest specimen found.