Exotic Animals

Another elusive giant squid has been found.

Ever since I was a little kid, and read 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, I’ve been fascinated by the giant squid.

And why not?  Here is an animal that can measure more than 25 feet long, weigh more than 600 pounds, and kill giant sperm whales.  It’s inspired legends, from the ancient Greek Kraken to Norse sea serpents, and the best part of all is, it’s real.

I was browsing through some online news the other day, and found this article:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070711/sc_nm/australia_squid_dc

Here is an excerpt:

One of the largest giant squid ever found has washed up on a remote Australian beach, sparking a race against time by scientists to examine the rarely seen deep-ocean creature.

The squid, the mantle or main body of which measured two-meters (6.5 feet) long, was found by a walker late on Tuesday … on the western coast of island state Tasmania.

So, how’d you like to find that the next time you go for a walk on the beach?

“Mmm, what a romantic morning, Honey.”

“It sure is.  I just hope the sea monster doesn’t get us…”

Other than jokes, I am not sure what to say.  Giant squid normally live at depths between 600 and 2300 feet.  They are rare for the same reason as the Ceolacanth I blogged about earlier: if they come up to the surface, the difference in pressure, temperature, and light will kill them.  No giant squid has ever been found alive in surface waters.

Which is why the Aussie scientists are rushing to examine this specimen.  Squid in general tend to decay quickly once they die (remember that, the next time you order calamari), and giant squid especially so.  A body that size will very quickly attract scavengers and predators who are always on the lookout for a free meal.  As the article points out, the tentacles on this one are no longer intact.

I’m posting about this just for the sake of posting it.  It’s always cool to see a childhood-favorite monster come alive.