Giant Squid, Kaikoura

[Chlidonias]

imagine finding a Giant Squid on the beach while out wandering....

Giant squid found on Kaikoura beach | Stuff.co.nz

14 May 2015

This giant squid's body has washed on to the beach at South Bay in Kaikoura.

The massive deep sea creature caused quite a stir among walkers with its longest tentacle measuring more than 5 metres.

It has been moved to the Kaikoura Marine Centre and Aquarium for safe keeping.

Bennett said the squid smelled slightly, and it wasn't on the beach on Tuesday so he assumed it washed up on Tuesday night.

A giant squid was found floating at sea off the Kaikoura coast in 2013.

Jack and Sharon Osikai found the 8m squid floating near Shark's Tooth when they were returning from a fishing trip.

It was dissected on TV3's Campbell Live show by Megan Bosch, a marine biologist at the Kaikoura Marine Centre and Aquarium.

She discovered that squid had been attacked by another, even bigger squid, which was apparent by the markings of a beak larger than its own on its tentacles and mantle (body).

Bennett recalled the giant squid being found at sea but said he had never seen one washed ashore.

"I wish it had been a lump of [whale] ambergris [grey amber used in perfumes]," he said.

"I've found old fishing floats and bits and pieces of other stuff, never any ambergris."

Some cool photos from the Kaikoura Marine Centre's Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/kkmarineaq...315109927846/1134315076594516/?type=1&theater

https://www.facebook.com/kkmarineaq...101328182566/1134974646528559/?type=1&theater