In a historic deep-sea moment, scientists have finally captured the first confirmed video of a colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural habitat, nearly 100 years after the species was first described.
🦑 What is the Colossal Squid?
The colossal squid is one of the most mysterious and elusive creatures in the ocean. It was first identified in 1925 after pieces were found in the stomach of a hunted sperm whale. Despite being the heaviest invertebrate on Earth, with adults growing up to 7 meters in length and weighing as much as 500 kilograms, sightings are incredibly rare.
🌊 Historic Footage Recorded in the Deep South Atlantic
The groundbreaking footage was captured at a depth of 600 meters near the South Sandwich Islands by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and Ocean Census. A juvenile colossal squid, only 30 centimeters long, was recorded during a live-streamed deep-sea expedition using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
This surprising encounter occurred while researchers were primarily investigating deep-sea habitats and new species along the seafloor—highlighting just how serendipitous deep-sea discoveries often are.
👁️🗨️ A Closer Look: Confirming the Species
Although the footage was streamed live, the squid’s identity wasn’t confirmed until scientists analyzed high-definition video showing the distinctive mid-arm hooks that are unique to colossal squids. These features helped differentiate it from other similar glass squid species in the Cranchiidae family.
Researchers believe that as these squids age, they lose their glass-like transparency and take on a denser, more unique appearance.
🔬 Why Colossal Squid Are So Hard to Study
One major reason the colossal squid has remained largely unseen is that it lives in a vast, dark, and complex three-dimensional oceanic environment. These intelligent animals have likely evolved to avoid light and disturbances, making them naturally elusive.
Interestingly, predators like sperm whales and seabirds have been some of our best sources of information, as they’re more adept at locating these squids than any current human technology.
✨ Beauty of the Deep: Not Just a Monster
Far from being a deep-sea “monster,” this young squid appeared more like a delicate glass sculpture. With shimmering iridescent eyes, barely visible fin musculature, and elegantly fanned arms, it’s a stunning contrast to the monstrous depictions often seen in media.
This visual reminds us that many deep-sea species are not terrifying—just misunderstood.
🌍 The Deep Sea: Earth’s Final Frontier
This moment also underscores the importance of deep-sea exploration. The deep ocean comprises over 95% of the planet’s livable space and is likely the cradle of life on Earth. It’s also home to countless undiscovered species, many of which are more bizarre and beautiful than anything imagined in science fiction.
Thanks to modern live-streaming technology, people around the world can now witness these deep-sea wonders in real-time.
📚 Final Thoughts: A Giant Leap in Marine Science
This first confirmed video of a colossal squid in its natural habitat is more than just a viral moment—it’s a monumental step for marine biology. It reminds us of how much we still have to explore and understand beneath the ocean’s surface.