July 3, 2003 — Puzzled scientists are examining the mysterious remains of a gelatinous sea creature found washed up on a Chilean beach.
The remains, 12.4 meters (41 feet) in length and weighing 13 tons, was first thought to be the skin of a whale when it was discovered June 24 near Maullin on the Pacific Ocean coast, the Center for Cetacean Conservation said Wednesday.
"We have never seen such a strange creature before," said Elsa Cabrera, a marine biologist and director of the center for cetacean conservation in Santiago, told The Guardian newspaper in London.
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"We don't know if it might be a giant squid that is missing some of its parts, or maybe it is a new species."
Scientists examined and photographed the remains and took samples to send to laboratories in France, Italy and the United States for study, Cabrera said, a center official.
Italian zoologist Lorenzo Rossi, a specialist in marine fauna, said after receiving photographs that it was a giant squid, Cabrera said.
Veterinarian Veronica Altoyo said there are clear similarities of skin, color and body shape between the two specimens.
Chilean scientists also have requested information on the specimen found in Florida from the Smithsonian Institution in Washington.
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Name: Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)
Primary Classification: Cephalopoda (Octopuses, Squids, Cuttlefish and Nautiluses) Location: Worldwide oceans. Habitat: Deep, cool, open sea. Diet: Deep-sea fish and squid. Possibly whales. Size: Up to 65 ft in length and 1 ton in weight. Description: Long, torpedo-like body; eight tentacled arms plus two long feeding tentacles; enormous eyes; parrot-like beak; fins Cool Facts: They are the largest invertebrates ever. They have the largest eyes of any animal ever, up to 18 inches across. Their beaks are powerful enough to cut through steel cable. Conservation Status: Undetermined |
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