The age of this specimen can only be estimated by examination of the statoliths. (The statoliths are two tiny bones that the squid uses to orientate and balance itself). In coastal squid species it is known that daily growth rings are laid down on these statoliths, so it is possible to examine them under a microscope and count the rings to get an age estimate. Statoliths from giant squid reveal that they only live for a maximum of less than 3-4 years. To date nobody has examined any statoliths from a colossal squid – we did not remove the statoliths from our large specimen as we wanted to keep it intact for display.