Glowing Squid Found in Indian Ocean's Depths: Big Pic
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Nov. 15, 2010 -- A new large species of squid has been found among 70 types gathered during an exploration of the depths of the Indian Ocean, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature said on Monday.
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The 70-centimeter (27 inches) long new species is part of the "chiroteuthid" family with light emitting organs that attract prey in the darkness thousands of meters (feet) down close to the craggy seabed, the IUCN said.
The six-week "Seamounts cruise" last year trawled about 7,000 samples of lifeforms in the southern Indian Ocean from depths of up to 1,200 meters (3,936 feet).
"For 10 days now, 21 scientists armed with microscopes have been working through intimidating rows of jars containing fishes, squids, zooplankton and other interesting creatures," said Alex Rogers, marine biologist at the Zoological Society of London.
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The cruise was aimed at exploring seamounts in an attempt to help improve conservation and management of marine resources in the area.
"We're hoping to have the ecological results in 12 to 18 months," Rogers told AFP.
Rarely sighted Colossal and Giant Squid are thought to range above 10 meters (32.8 feet) in length.
Content provided by: AFP
Photo credit: Rainer von Brandis/IUCN
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