Colossal squid wasn't T-Rex of the seas: 22-08-2008
Travellers in New Zealand visiting the country's national museum, Te Papa, will soon be able to see one of the world's most legendary animals up close, but despite previous perceptions, scientists now claim that the colossal squid was not a violent monster.
The 1,090 pound female Mesonychoteuthis Hamilton was accidentally caught by an Antarctic fishing boat in 2007 and was donated to the museum where scientists have been performing tests.
Marine biologist Steve O'Shea has been studying the creature and said that although it had a reputation for being a dangerous predator, his findings have suggested otherwise.
"My research suggests they're not the T-Rex of the sea, they get more docile as they mature, a strange phenomenon that has caught scientists off guard," he said.
"We are looking at something verging on the incredibly bizarre.
As she got older she got shorter and broader and was reduced to a giant gelatinous blob, carrying many thousands of eggs."
He said the female was more likely a 'breeding machine', floating around waiting on her mate to return with food.
Scientists believe there may be even bigger squid out there, with some suggesting they can grow to 1,600 pounds.
Travellers will be able to see the creature at Te Papa Museum in Wellington later this year.
Find out about our tailor made holidays to New Zealand