Giant Squid Caught Off Coast of New Zealand

A giant squid was accidentally caught by a fishing boat in New Zealand. The squid possibly weighs about a half a ton. It is the largest specimen to be captured. The squid is about 39 feet long. "It is likely that it is the first intact adult male Colossal Squid to ever be successfully landed," said New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton.

The scientific name of the squid is Mesony Choteuthis Hamiltoni. They are estimated to grow to 46 feet long. The caught squid is 330 pounds heavier than the next largest specimen found. These squid are not found very often. They can swim to depths of 6,500 feet. The squids are very active hunters.

The captured squid was sent to the New Zealand National Museum, Tepapa in Wellington. It will be preserved to be studied by scientists.

--Sam Taylor, World News Editor