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Explore the depths of the ocean with recent scientific discoveries! In a remarkable breakthrough for marine biology, scientists have successfully captured the first confirmed footage of the elusive colossal squid in its natural habitat. This incredible observation, a century after the creature’s initial identification, also coincides with footage of the rare glacial glass squid, highlighting the wonders of ocean exploration and deep-sea life.
Rare Glimpse of Colossal Squid in Natural Habitat
For the first time, researchers have documented the colossal squid in its deep-sea realm, a century after its formal identification. The Schmidt Ocean Institute announced this groundbreaking achievement, marking a significant step in understanding this mysterious marine creature.
Captured video from the South Atlantic Ocean, near the South Sandwich Islands, reveals a juvenile colossal squid, scientifically known as Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni. The specimen was observed swimming at a depth of 1,968 feet (600 meters).
The footage was obtained by SuBastian, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) launched from the research vessel Falkor (too), during a March expedition. While adult colossal squids are estimated to reach up to 23 feet (7 meters) in length and weigh as much as 1,110 pounds (500 kilograms), making them the planet’s heaviest invertebrate, this young squid was a mere foot long (30 centimeters).
Dr. Aaron Evans, an independent researcher specializing in Cranchiidae, the glass squid family, and Dr. Kat Bolstad, an associate professor at Auckland University of Technology, independently verified the species. Dr. Evans noted the juvenile squid exhibited developmental changes, having lost some “baby features.” Its eyes were integrated into its head, and the body proportions were more aligned with adult squids.
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“We might consider this a teenage squid,” Dr. Evans explained at a news conference. “It’s not yet an adult, still growing, but past the hatchling stage. This mid-range specimen is incredibly valuable for filling knowledge gaps in the life cycle of this enigmatic animal.”
In a related discovery, a previous Falkor (too) expedition in January in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica captured footage of the glacial glass squid, marking the first time this species has been seen alive in its natural habitat.
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, stated, “Sighting two distinct squid species on consecutive expeditions is extraordinary and emphasizes how much remains unseen within the Southern Ocean’s magnificent inhabitants.”
The high-resolution video of both squid species provides an unprecedented view into delicate ocean life, illuminating the survival strategies of creatures in the deep.
The first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, displays the animal in its natural habitat.
Insights from the Deep
Knowledge about the colossal squid’s existence and behavior is limited. Current scientific understanding primarily stems from deceased or dying specimens discovered in the digestive systems of whales and seabirds, or as prey captured during toothfish harvesting, explained Dr. Bolstad.
This recent video footage offers valuable novel insights. The footage was collected during a major expedition focused on discovering previously unknown marine life. This expedition represents a collaborative effort between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth – a joint project involving the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, and the British Antarctic Survey.
Drs. Bolstad and Evans meticulously analyzed the video to pinpoint distinguishing features of the colossal squid. Squids possess eight arms and two longer tentacles. A key characteristic of the colossal squid is the presence of hooks on its eight arms. Dr. Evans recounted his excitement upon noticing these hooks on the newly filmed juvenile.
“Having studied deep-sea squids, including the colossal squid, since the early 2000s, I can honestly say this is among the most thrilling observations in my career working with deep-sea cephalopods,” Dr. Bolstad remarked during the news conference. “What’s particularly captivating about this footage is the animal’s apparent fragility. It resembles a glass sculpture. Witnessing these creatures thriving in such a delicate state, and considering the immense effort required for humans to even reach their environment, is a powerful reminder of nature’s unexplored mysteries.”
Dr. Bolstad also pointed out the presence of substantial rusty red-brown chromatophores, or color-changing cells, on the squid’s mantle.
“[This] indicates it can likely alternate between complete transparency, as mostly seen in the footage, and opacity,” Dr. Bolstad elaborated. “It probably also possesses precise control over these changes in specific body regions – a hypothesis confirmed by this observation.”
Dr. Bolstad mentioned that another organization, Colossal, filmed a similarly sized glass squid in the Antarctic during their 2023-2024 campaign. However, the lower resolution of that footage prevented species identification due to indistinct features.
Dr. Bolstad clarified that the colossal squid is distinct from the giant squid. Colossal squids inhabit exclusively Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, while giant squids are found across various global oceans.
Antarctic Discoveries: Unveiling Deep-Sea Secrets
During a separate January expedition near Antarctica, Dr. Thom Linley joined the team investigating the seabed following the calving of a massive iceberg from the George VI Ice Shelf.
Dr. Linley, curator of fishes at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, was in the control room of the Falkor (too) as the ROV descended into the Bellingshausen Sea. At 2,254 feet (687 meters), he spotted something intriguing.
The first confirmed footage of the glacial glass squid, Galiteuthis glacialis, was recorded in the Bellingshausen Sea near Antarctica.
A glass squid drifted into view. Dr. Linley requested a pause in the ROV’s descent to film it.
“I know it’s a small squid, but this could be significant,” Dr. Linley recalled saying. He shared the high-resolution footage with Dr. Bolstad, and Dr. Evans also reviewed the imagery.
The juvenile colossal squid and the glacial glass squid, Galiteuthis glacialis, show similarities, both exhibiting hooks on their longer tentacles and transparent bodies.
However, this particular glass squid held its arms raised above its head in a “cockatoo pose,” a behavior previously observed in glass squids.
Together, Drs. Bolstad and Evans confirmed the sighting as a glacial glass squid in its cold, deep-sea environment for the first time.
The Ongoing Quest for Adult Colossal Squid
Neither squid in the footage seemed alarmed or disturbed by the ROV’s presence. Instead, they remained composed, appearing to evaluate any potential threat.
However, adult colossal squids remain elusive, utilizing their acute vision to evade potential dangers.
“From their viewpoint, any large approaching object is cause for concern,” Dr. Evans noted. “The adult colossal squid remains mysterious due to its acute senses, allowing it to detect us. Confined to Antarctica, where research opportunities are less frequent, encountering and filming an adult colossal squid will require more time and chance.”
Research vessel Falkor (too) navigates around icebergs while conducting research in the Bellingshausen Sea off Antarctica.
While the research vessel won’t return to Antarctica until 2028, Dr. Virmani noted that Falkor (too) will operate in the South Atlantic off Argentina and Uruguay for the next four years. The ROV dives are live-streamed on the institute’s YouTube channel, inviting public participation in these deep-sea expeditions.
“The ability to share these dives real-time and showcase the deep sea’s beauty and undiscovered aspects, allowing people to join us in these discoveries, enhances our collective appreciation for the deep sea, moving it towards its rightful place in public awareness,” concluded Dr. Bolstad.