In a historic breakthrough for marine science researchers have captured the world’s first footage of a colossal squid swimming freely in its natural deep-sea habitat nearly 100 years after the elusive giant was first identified.
The rare sighting took place on March 9 during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition aboard the research vessel Falkor, as scientists explored the icy waters between Argentina and Antarctica. The juvenile squid, about 30 cm long, was spotted near the South Sandwich Islands at a depth of around 600 metres, filmed using a remotely operated underwater vehicle.
The squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni commonly known as the colossal squid has long fascinated scientists, but until now had only been known from damaged remains found in whale stomachs or as dying specimens caught by fishing trawlers. This marks the first time it has been seen alive, gliding eerily through the pitch-dark ocean with its transparent body and trailing tentacles.
“This is a breathtaking moment in marine biology,” said Dr Kat Bolstad of Auckland University of Technology, who helped confirm the species. “To witness a juvenile colossal squid alive in its natural habitat is not only thrilling it’s humbling. These animals likely don’t even know humans exist.”
As it grows, the colossal squid can reach lengths of up to seven metres and weigh nearly 500 kilograms making it the heaviest invertebrate on Earth. One of its most terrifying and unique features is its rotating hooks distinguishing it from other deep-sea squid species.
In another striking find during the same expedition, scientists earlier captured the world’s first footage of the glacial glass squid another ghostlike inhabitant of the deep in January, further underscoring the mysteries still hidden in Earth’s oceans.
“These back-to-back discoveries show just how little we truly know about the ocean,” said Dr Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “Each expedition peels back another layer of the unknown. We’re just beginning to understand the remarkable biodiversity that exists beneath the surface.”
The footage has sparked global interest, offering a rare and mesmerizing glimpse into one of the most mysterious and uncharted regions of the planet the deep waters of the Southern Ocean.
