'Whopper' of giant squid washes up on Australian
beach by Gulliver
One of the largest giant squid ever found washed up on a beach
in southern Australia this month.
The squid was discovered on a beach late at night on the western
shores of Tasmania.
The great beast weighed 250 kilograms (550 pounds) and was
8 meters (26 feet) long from head to tentacle-the same length
as a school bus.
"It's a whopper," declared Genefor Walker-Smith,
zoologist at the Tasmanian Museum. It is believed to be of
the largest giant squid ever found. Scientists took samples
from it fur further study, hoping it will offer crucial insights
into the creature's habits and habitat.
Giant squid can grow to a length of 10 meters (33 feet) or
more and weigh more than 275 kilograms (600 pounds).
The marine animal is exceeded only in size by the Colossal
squid which can exceed 14 meters (45 feet) in length. Earlier
this year fishermen in New Zealand captured a Colossal squid
for the first time.
