Colossal squid goes on display at Te Papa

Its name really is "colossal", and this weekend offers a rare chance to see how just how big it really is.

A 5.4 metre example of the colossal squid will go on display at the National Museum of New Zealand - Te Papa in Wellington until Sunday May 4.

The squid, of a species larger and more aggressive than any other known, was recently found in the Southern Ocean. The mantle, arms and tentacles of this squid are on display.

Dr Steve O'Shea, a leading authority on squid, identified the beast as a colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni), a species even larger than the giant squid.

The colossal squid has many unique characteristics, including two rows of swivelling razor-sharp hooks along the tentacle and a combination of hooks and suckers along its arms. Its beak is the largest of any known squid.

On examination, Dr O'Shea found the animal to be a young female and only about half of her potential size. It is thought that a full-grown adult could measure approximately 12 metres.

Dr O' Shea and his associate Kat Bolstad will give a series of floortalks at Te Papa, explaining some of the mysteries of this gigantic creature.

Floortalks by Dr Steve O'Shea on Saturday April 26 and Sunday April 27:

12-12.45pm Wellington Foyer, by the tank

1pm-1.45pm interactive talk in NatureSpace Discovery Centre, Level 2

Entry is free of charge.