Calamari The Size Of Tractor Tires!
Instead of a plate of tiny rings of calamari, what if your waiter simply rolled your order to the table? It could happen if the New Zealand sport of giant squid fishing catches on!
The adult Colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) was caught by fishermen long lining for toothfish in deep ocean off Antarctica, New Zealand Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said on Thursday in announcing the catch…….
…….Colossal squid are one of the most mysterious creatures in the deep ocean, growing up to 12 to 14 metres (36 to 42 feet) in length. Anderton said the squid would be photographed, measured, tissue sampled, registered and preserved intact.
"On-going examination of this giant will help to unlock some of the mysteries of the deep ocean. Even basic questions such as such as how large does this species grow to, and how long does it live for are not yet known," he said.
Local media said early estimates put the squid at 10 metres (30 feet) in length and weighing 450 kg (992 pounds) — 150 kg (330 pounds) heavier than the next biggest specimen found……
……O'Shea said if calamari were made from the Colossal squid's rings it would be the size of tractor tyres.
The Colossal squid is actually more massive than the Giant squid. But we are not impressed just yet. Wait until someone lands a specimen of the Mega-Ginormous squid!
Animals, Science, World news | Gaius Thursday, 22 February , 2007
By Gayle Miller, Thursday, 22 February , 2007 @ 10:50 am
One ring doth a salad make!
By Jim Meidinger, Friday, 23 February , 2007 @ 6:09 am
Ah, the photo brings back memories of my early days as a calamrari harvester. It was a bit more hazardous back then.
And at the end of the workday, the survivors would gather ’round a pint and remember those who had given their all so that diners everywhere could enjoy the sea’s bounty.