First-Ever Deep-Sea Footage of Juvenile Colossal Squid Captured Near Antarctica​

Marine scientists have made a historic first-ever film of a live young colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its native deep-sea habitat. Made on a 35-day Ocean Census trip close to the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, this amazing finding.

Renowned as the biggest creature in the world, the colossal squid may weigh more than 500 kg (1,100 pounds) and reach lengths of up to 14 meters (46 ft.). Though this secretive monster is really large, sightings of it have been extremely uncommon; past information just comes from animals discovered in predator stomachs or unintentionally caught by fishing boats.

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The recently acquired video shows a young colossal squid around thirty-centimeter (11-inch length). Filmed utilising the remotely controlled Schmidt Ocean Institute vehicle at a depth of around 600 meters (1,968 feet), SuBastian offers an unparalleled window into the early life phases of this enigmatic animal.

Leading cephalopod researcher Dr. Kat Bolstad of Auckland University of Technology said she was thrilled to watch the first in situ film of a young colossal squid. Our knowledge for a century was predicated on scattered relics. This real-time viewing is a tremendous advance.

The colossal squid has unique traits typical of the colossal squid, including a transparent, blue-speckled body and rust-coloured chromatophores that let it vary skin opacity. It stands apart from its near relative, Galiteuthis glacialis, mostly in the centre of its eight arms by the presence of hooks. Expert in the glass squid family—including the colossal squid— Aaron Evans helped to confirm the video. He said, stressing the importance of the discovery, “When we saw the arm hooks, I started hyperventilating.”

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This finding emphasises the need for deep-sea exploration in comprehending Earth’s biodiversity, as well as offers insightful analysis of the shape and behaviour of the colossal squid. “These unforgettable events remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved,” Dr. Bolstad said. Further study and possible sightings are much awaited by the scientific community, which might help to clarify the life cycle and behaviours of this mysterious deep-sea behemoth.