Divers off the south coast of Wellington, New Zealand stumbled upon a rare and fascinating sight on Saturday. While searching for a good spot for spearfishing, they came across a fully intact and massive squid, measuring 4.2 meters or 13 feet in length. The divers were in awe of the creature’s size and took several photos before contacting a friend at the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) to collect the specimen.
According to a representative from the New Zealand Department of Conservation, the divers likely found a giant squid (Architeuthis dux) rather than a colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni). Giant squids can reach up to 16 feet in length, while colossal squids can grow to over 30 feet long. Both species are considered formidable sea creatures, and little is known about their behavior and lifestyle due to their rare sightings.
The cause of death of the squid is unknown. The divers who found the squid reported that it appeared unscathed, except for a tiny scratch that could not have been the cause of death. Upon returning to the spot later, the divers noticed that the squid had shrunk a little but had not been disturbed by any animals looking for a meal.
Squids are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of people for centuries. These deep-sea dwellers are elusive and difficult to study, with most information coming from specimens that have washed ashore or accidental captures by fishers. The discovery of a fully intact giant squid is a rare and exciting event that provides an opportunity for scientists to learn more about these creatures.
The photos of the giant squid taken by the divers have been shared widely on social media, eliciting reactions from people all over the world. Many people were amazed by the size of the creature, while others were more curious about its taste. Despite its size, giant squid is not considered a good food source, as it is tough and has a high ammonia content.
The discovery of the giant squid on the New Zealand beach is a reminder of the mysteries that lie beneath the ocean’s surface. It highlights the importance of continuing research and exploration to gain a better understanding of the creatures that inhabit our planet’s deep-sea environments.
