In the waters off Tasmania, Australia, scientists are studying a 65-foot squid, shedding new light on the centuries-old tale of sailors who told of giant squids whose tentacles could rip a man a part.

The specimen weighs a quarter ton and according to researchers there is little doubt the creatures are prepared to attack the largest prey, including sperm whales. Extraordinarily little is known about the deep dwelling creatures that begin their lives about the size of a matchstick, and grow to their extraordinary proportion within three to four years. Caught in the nets of trawlers, the rapid change in pressure on the way to the surface is what killed this squid. One of the challenges now facing those studying the squid is how to store such a rare and sizable marine creature.