Live webcam of a dead squid

(PHOTO: CRAIGPJ)

As I write this, in New Zealand a group of scientists have just arrived at work all ready for their third day of investigating a colossal squid. Said squid was discovered in the Ross Sea over a year ago, and has been waiting to be studied since then. It’s not a job I’d relish, but it’s just fascinating, as the squid is one of the biggest ever found. Very few of this size have been found at all, it’s thought less than 6. One of the only clues that they exist at all was a few massive tentacles found in the tummy of a giant sperm whale in 1925. This one is over 10m long, and is doubly rare becuase it’s in such good condition. ‘Good condition’ beingn a relative concept of course, as the squid consists of half a tonne of cold wet fishy squish.

But the best bit? You can watch the studying the squid live over the interweb! Technology rocks.

PS If the picture of a mega squid makes you think of krakens, you’re not alone. The scientists think there might be even bigger squid out there, possibly the partner of this one at 15m long. I’m not suprised but I think they’re thinking too small - I can’t quite make myself swim off boats in deep water, as I’m convinced there are 100m squids down there in the depths.

PPS The live webcast? It’s cool, but it’s also a bit disgusting. Beware for the images will get stuck in your head. Here’s that link again in case you missed it.