Scientists capture groundbreaking footage of colossal squid in its natural habitat, revealing a glimpse into the mysterious world of these deep-sea giants.
A team of scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute has made history by capturing the first-ever video footage of a colossal squid in its natural habitat. The specimen, measuring barely a foot in length, was found lurking in the depths of the South Atlantic Ocean.
The colossal squid is one of the largest invertebrates on Earth, reaching lengths of up to 43 feet (13 meters).
Found primarily in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, it has a massive mantle and eight arms covered with suckers.
Its eyes are said to be the largest of any animal, with some specimens having eyes up to 10 inches (25 cm) in diameter.
The colossal squid feeds on deep-sea fish, crustaceans, and other squid species.
Unveiling the Miniature Marvel
The juvenile colossal squid’s transparent body and tiny tentacles initially resembled a jellyfish, but it’s clear that this is no ordinary deep-sea creature. Witnessing one at such an early stage offers valuable scientific insight into its development and behavior.
‘I actually love that this is our first glimpse of what will become a true giant,’ says Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod biologist at the Auckland University of Technology. ‘It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist.’
The Colossal Squid: A Mysterious Creature
Colossal squids inhabit the cold depths of the Antarctic seas, growing up to 23 feet long as adults and weighing around 1,100 pounds. They boast the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, with some specimens reaching up to twice their body length.
The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is a massive deep-sea cephalopod found in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters.
It can grow up to 43 feet (13 meters) in length, making it the largest invertebrate on Earth.
Weighing up to 1,000 pounds (450 kilograms), this creature has the largest eyes of any animal, with some specimens having eyes as large as 10 inches (25 centimeters) in diameter.
The colossal squid‘s existence was first discovered secondhand, through the remains found in a sperm whale‘s stomach in 1925. It wasn’t until 1981 that a living full adult specimen was caught accidentally by fishermen. Despite being elusive, these creatures are incredibly aware of their surroundings, with any disturbance potentially signaling the presence of a predator.
A Glimpse into the Deep Sea
Finding more colossal squid will be challenging, but this discovery offers an encouraging reminder that it’s possible. The team is eager to learn more about these mysterious creatures and witness a live adult specimen in its natural habitat.
The colossal squid is a deep-sea cephalopod that inhabits the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters. Reaching lengths of up to 43 feet, it is one of the largest invertebrates on Earth. Its massive beak and suckers are designed for catching prey, which includes fish, other squid, and even small whales. Scientists have been studying the colossal squid since the 1920s, with recent discoveries revealing its unique bioluminescent abilities and remarkable speed.
‘I can’t wait to see what a live adult colossal squid looks like, at home in the deep sea where it belongs,’ Bolstad says. With any luck, future sightings will reveal the full majesty of these deep-sea predators.
