Melbourne Aquarium’s Giant Squid
Commencing December 26, 2005
Melbourne Aquarium’s newest attraction is nothing short of amazing! A 7 metre Giant Squid (Architectus dux) that has been frozen in time and forms the centrepeice of our incredible new ‘Monsters of the Deep’ exhibition.
This rare species has long been the subject of debate, myth and intrigue featuring in films such as 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea and The Abyss. Although scientist know very little of its habits, this species is known to dive to depths of greater than 1 kilometre and competes for territory with other giants of the sea including sperm whales. Earlier in 2005, for the first time ever, Japanese scientists filmed this deep-sea giant.
Our specimen was found off the southern coast of New Zealand’s South Island in 2003. The preservation and display of this mighty beast is thought to be world-first technology with Melbourne company Donohoes Ice creating the largest man-made block of ice anywhere on the planet!
Come and visit this incredible display, which also features rare footage of Mexican Humboldt Squid off the Baha coast as well as live displays of Flashlight fish, Dumpling squid and Sand Octopus.
School groups completing Self-guided and General programs will have an extended opportunity to witness this beast first-hand.
See also: Giant squid expected to set pulses racing
and: New squid on the (ice) block
**NEW: There is a good video report on the Giant Squid exhibit here.