For the first time in history, scientists have recorded live footage of a colossal squid in its natural deep-sea environment. This incredible moment happened nearly 100 years after the squid was first discovered from remains found in a sperm whale’s stomach in 1925.
A Rare Deep-Sea Sighting Near the South Sandwich Islands
The video was captured during an international ocean expedition in the far South Atlantic. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), researchers spotted a 30-centimetre-long juvenile colossal squid at a depth of 600 meters near the South Sandwich Islands. This marks the first confirmed video of the species in its natural habitat.
How Big Can a Colossal Squid Get?
Even though the squid in the footage was small, colossal squids can grow up to seven meters long and weigh up to 500 kilograms, making them the heaviest invertebrates on Earth. Despite their size, we know very little about their behavior, life cycle, or where they live.
It Was All Caught During a Live Deep-Sea Stream
The amazing moment was captured during a live “divestream” broadcast by the Schmidt Ocean Institute. At first, researchers couldn’t confirm the squid’s identity. But after reviewing the high-definition footage, they recognized key features of the colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni).
Why Is It So Hard to Find Colossal Squids?
These deep-sea giants are experts at hiding from humans. Most underwater exploration gear is large, noisy, and uses bright lights that scare away animals. Colossal squids likely avoid light, just like they avoid predators like diving sperm whales. This makes it very hard to find or film them.
The Importance of Predators in Squid Research
Interestingly, much of what we know about colossal squids comes from their predators. Whales, seabirds, and other hunters are far better at finding squids than we are. That’s why most of our squid discoveries come from stomach contents rather than live observations.
A Transparent Beauty from the Deep
This juvenile squid was not only rare—it was stunning. It looked almost like a glass sculpture, with fine fins, graceful arms, and glowing iridescent eyes. Colossal squids belong to the glass squid family (Cranchiidae), which includes other transparent species found in Antarctic waters.
How Do We Know It Was a Colossal Squid?
In the new footage, researchers could clearly see the hooks in the middle of the squid’s arms, a key feature of colossal squids. These hooks are what help set them apart from other glass squid species. As they grow, colossal squids lose some of their transparent look and develop tougher features.
Not Just a Monster of the Deep
Even though people often describe them as scary or monstrous, this squid looked elegant and peaceful. It glided through the water like a living work of art, showing us the true beauty of deep-sea life beyond the usual horror stories.
Exploring the Deep Ocean Like Never Before
Thanks to new technologies and public live streams, anyone with internet can now take part in deep-sea exploration. We’re discovering creatures that once only existed in stories or scientific theories, right from the comfort of home.
Why the Deep Sea Matters More Than Ever
The deep sea covers 95% of the Earth’s living space and may be where life first began. It holds hundreds of thousands of undiscovered species, including creatures that could change what we know about biology and evolution. This first confirmed video of a colossal squid is just the beginning.
Who Was Behind This Historic Discovery?
This exciting footage was made possible by a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-NEKTON Ocean Census, and GoSouth—a joint research project by the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre, and the British Antarctic Survey.