Scientists Thaw Colossal Squid for Probe

New Zealand scientists have begun defrosting a colossal squid, caught last year, so they can dissect the little-known species. They aim to start by determining the sex of the 34-foot long animal, a native of Antarctica that weighs half a ton. "They're incredibly rare—this is probably one of six specimens ever brought up," one researcher told the BBC.

The colossal squid was first classified in 1925 when scientists found two tentacles inside a sperm whale—a deep-diving animal with teeth large enough to prey on the titan. But it's not an easy catch: Colossal squids are fighters equipped with sharp beaks and hook-like extremities. The scientists will be showing off their findings in a live webcast before embalming the squid. (More giant squid stories.)