The eye of a colossal squid nearly fills the frame in a photo taken on April 30, 2008. The squid is currently being studied at the Te Papa Tongarewa museum in Wellington, New Zealand.

The giant, caught by fishers last year, has the largest known eyes of any animal on Earth, measuring some 11 inches (28 centimeters) across, scientists mentioned.

"This is the only intact eye [of a colossal squid] that's ever been found," Kat Bolstad told the Associated Press.

Bolstad, a biologist at Auckland University of Technology who specializes in squid, is part of a team of international researchers brought to the museum to examine the creature.

"It's spectacular," Bolstad said.

• More Photos in the News
• Today's Top 15 Most Popular Stories
• Free Email Newsletter: "Focus on Photography"