PHOTOS: Alien-like Squid Seen at Deep Drilling Site

PHOTOS: Alien-like Squid Seen at Deep Drilling Site
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A Magnapinna squid swims about 11,090 feet (3,380 meters) underwater off Oahu, Hawaii, in 2001.

Captured by a Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) ROV, the image is from a video that clearly shows the undulating, winglike flaps that gave Magnapinna ("big fin") its name--as well as the distinctive tentacles, extended at right angles and trailing like fishing lines.

Whereas giant squid and other cephalopods have eight short arms and two long tentacles, Magnapinna have ten appendages that all appear to be the same length.
—Video still by (copyright 2001) MBARI
 

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