The Colossal Squid Te Wheke Nui

Find out all about the colossal squid – the biggest invertebrate on the planet. Learn about how the squid at Te Papa was caught, examined, and preserved. Plus read about its bizarre anatomy.

The Colossal Squid exhibition

The Colossal Squid exhibition

Meet the colossal squid – eyes the size of soccer balls and awesome, rotating tentacle hooks.

Long-term exhibition

Exhibition Ngā whakaaturanga
Colossal squid at Te Papa

Colossal squid at Te Papa

We have one colossal squid on display, but did you know we have three colossal squid specimens in our collection? Find out how they came into our collection and how big they are.
The anatomy of the colossal squid
The anatomy of the colossal squid

Discover all about the anatomy this deep sea beast. Learn about it's massive eyes, sharp beak, and long hooked tentacles.
The life and habits of a colossal squid

The life and habits of a colossal squid

We know very little about the colossal squid’s life history, diet, or behaviour, because they live at extreme depths in freezing water, but here's what we do know...
Watch: Highlights from a colossal squid examination

Watch: Highlights from a colossal squid examination

Watch highlights from a colossal squid examination at Te Papa as specialists in squid biology from Auckland University of Technology undertake research on this rare find.

The Colossal Squid Te Wheke Nui

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The Colossal Squid Te Wheke Nui

The Colossal Squid exhibition

Colossal squid at Te Papa

The anatomy of the colossal squid

The life and habits of a colossal squid

Watch: Highlights from a colossal squid examination

The Colossal Squid
Te Wheke Nui