A team of scientists has a colossal task on its hands today at Te Papa.

A squid, weighing around 350kg, will be used for testing once it's defrosted from the museum's freezer.

It was caught on a fishing vessel's long-line in Antarctica during the summer.

Experts from Auckland University of Technology's Institute for Applied Ecology New Zealand will carry out the examination of the colossal squid.

Dr Kat Bolstad says this squid will be used more for testing.

"The opportunity to examine a squid of this size and to really get a good, close look and to go over it as thoroughly as you possibly can is a very rare experience and one we're all excited about."

Kat Bolstad says it's undecided whether this squid will also go on display after the examination.