Architeuthis

How cool is this news from National Geographic?

In Antarctica's Ross Sea, a fishing boat has caught what is likely the world's biggest known colossal squid (yes, that's the species' name), New Zealand officials announced today.

Heavier than even giant squid, colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) have eyes as wide as dinner plates and sharp hooks on some of their suckers. The new specimen weighs in at an estimated 990 pounds (450 kilograms).

I'm not a zoologist by any means but it's facinating to see the creatures with which we share the world. I always hate to hear that the creature was caught in nets and/or died, however these huge sea creatures are simply wonderous.

Another story from National Geographic about the Giant Squid is available here. This one was apparently alive while it was being filmed. A gallery of photos is available.

Wikipedia has a good article on Architeuthis the giant squid.

Besides all this, one of my favorite bands of all time, Tourniquet, has a song titled Architeuthis in which they reference the giant sea creature. So I must go listen to that song again, as if Tourniquet isn't already playing in the background (which they are).