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Trawler nets giant squid
BBC ^ | 01/14/02 | BBC

Posted on 01/14/2002 6:53:45 AM PST by Arkle

A giant squid has been netted off the UK coast for the first time in 15 years.

The 3.15-metre-long (10.3 feet) creature, caught by an Aberdeen-based trawler, will be a star feature at the National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth, Devon.

The squid, believed to be female and three years old, did not survive being brought to the surface. It is thought it would have stretched to about 5.5m in length if it still had its two feeding tentacles, which were lost when it was caught. The creature's beak could cut steel cable.

After DNA tests have been conducted, the squid will be preserved in formaldehyde and displayed in its own custom-made tank in the Creatures Of The Deep area of the aquarium's new Ocean Discovery Zone. The facility will open to the public in May.

"Giant squid are incredibly rare and scientists have never seen one alive," said Doug Herdson, information officer of the National Marine Aquarium. "They live in very deep waters, at about 500 metres and below, and provide fodder for the sperm whale.

In 1987 a giant squid washed up on the shores of the Shetland Islands. Others are known from New Zealand and Newfoundland, and a giant squid featured in the Jules Verne novel, 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

The aquarium will conduct a number of scientific investigations, in conjunction with experts from the Marine Biological Association and the University of Plymouth, prior to the squid going on display.


TOPICS: News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: calamari; cryptozoology; giantsquid; kraken
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1 posted on 01/14/2002 6:53:46 AM PST by Arkle
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To: Arkle
Kind of an ugly sucker eh?
2 posted on 01/14/2002 7:08:38 AM PST by 2111USMC
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To: Arkle
“Giant” seems a bit hyperbolic. It’s a “really big” squid, though.
3 posted on 01/14/2002 7:11:54 AM PST by dead
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To: Arkle
wonder how plates of calmare it would have made

randystone

4 posted on 01/14/2002 7:13:49 AM PST by randystone
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To: Arkle
Usually when I read stories on FR about bottom-feeders, I expect to see some prominent Democrat's name.
5 posted on 01/14/2002 7:14:37 AM PST by TrappedInLiberalHell
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To: Cachelot; RightWhale
Comments?

Hungry?


6 posted on 01/14/2002 7:16:35 AM PST by Sabertooth
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To: Arkle
Just another news item with the typical animal-rights slant. Notice how there is no mention (other than the photo) of the late fisherman (possibly a highway worker given his outfit) who was also brought up in the net...
7 posted on 01/14/2002 7:17:14 AM PST by Hegewisch Dupa
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To: Arkle
Calimari anyone?
8 posted on 01/14/2002 7:18:31 AM PST by mgc1122
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Comment #9 Removed by Moderator

To: Central Scrutiniser
What kind of fodder do they provide for Sperm whales?
10 posted on 01/14/2002 7:36:05 AM PST by katykelly
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To: katykelly
tasty fodder, I'd imagine
11 posted on 01/14/2002 7:38:03 AM PST by Hegewisch Dupa
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Comment #12 Removed by Moderator

To: Arkle
A giant squid...

Aw, Captain Nemo saw "giant" squids. The one pictured here is really tiny. ;-D

13 posted on 01/14/2002 7:41:20 AM PST by GingisK
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To: Hegewisch Dupa
Dang; ya beat me!
14 posted on 01/14/2002 7:43:51 AM PST by Romulus
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To: Arkle
This could make a very interesting episode of Iron Chef!
15 posted on 01/14/2002 7:45:43 AM PST by Constantine XIII
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To: randystone
Now what we need is some giant garlic and a giant can of tomato sauce.
16 posted on 01/14/2002 7:46:29 AM PST by oldsalt
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To: Sabertooth
Caption to top photo:

"Blimey, its like being back with me ex-wife."

17 posted on 01/14/2002 7:49:18 AM PST by Tijeras_Slim
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To: Sabertooth
Comments?

Mmmm?? That little snack thing is a "giant"? Of course, after the silly English have finished smothering it in formaldehyde it won't even be a snack.

18 posted on 01/14/2002 7:52:50 AM PST by Cachelot
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To: Tijeras_Slim
"Blimey, its like being back with me ex-wife."

Sort of.

Ex-wives are universally known to have prefferred the "starfish position." No discernible movement whatsoever.


19 posted on 01/14/2002 7:53:12 AM PST by Sabertooth
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To: Hegewisch Dupa
Notice how there is no mention (other than the photo) of the late fisherman (possibly a highway worker given his outfit) who was also brought up in the net...

That one made me guffaw out loud at work. Thanks.

20 posted on 01/14/2002 7:56:08 AM PST by dead
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