Scientists have captured the first-ever footage of a live colossal squid in its natural habitat, exactly 100 years after the species was formally identified. The juvenile specimen, filmed at nearly 2,000 feet below the surface in the South Atlantic Ocean, provides unprecedented insights into one of the ocean's most mysterious predators and highlights how much of our deep seas remain unexplored.
Breakthrough Deep-Sea Footage Reveals Ocean Giant in Natural Habitat
A team of international scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too) has achieved what marine biologists have been attempting for a century: capturing video of a living colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural environment. The footage was recorded on March 9, 2025, near the remote South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean BBC1.
The juvenile squid, measuring approximately 11.8 inches (30cm) in length, was spotted at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet) by the vessel's remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, a sophisticated robot capable of descending to depths of up to 14,763 feet (4,500 meters) Mashable2.
Dr. Michelle Taylor, the expedition's chief scientist from the University of Essex, noted that the team initially wasn't certain what species they had encountered. "We filmed it because it was beautiful and unusual," she explained. The footage was later verified by Dr. Kat Bolstad, an associate professor at Auckland University of Technology and squid expert BBC1.
The juvenile displayed distinctive characteristics of the species, including a transparent body with pearly, large sensitive eyes, typical for members of the Cranchiidae family, also known as "glass squids." The colossal squid can be distinguished from other species by sharp hooks located on its eight arms NPR3.
Global Scientific Community Celebrates Rare Marine Discovery
Scientists worldwide have responded with enthusiasm to this extraordinary footage, which coincides with the 100-year anniversary of the colossal squid's formal identification in 1925.
"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," said Dr. Bolstad The Guardian4.
The expedition team's excitement was palpable. Thom Linley, a deep-sea researcher involved in the discovery, recalled Dr. Bolstad's enthusiasm upon learning of the footage: "She's climbing the walls like, 'Give me the high res! Give me the high res!'" Aaron Evans, another team member, added, "We got very excited, and we started hyperventilating. I mean, I can't speak for Kat. I started hyperventilating" NPR3.
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Schmidt Ocean Institute's executive director, noted the significance of this achievement in marine exploration: "These unforgettable moments continue to remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved" BBC1.
The voyage was a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth, a joint project involving the University of Plymouth (UK), the Geomar Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research (Germany), and the British Antarctic Survey The Guardian4.
Expert Insights Reveal Why Colossal Squids Have Remained So Elusive
Marine biologists have provided insights into why it has taken so long to capture footage of this elusive creature despite a century of scientific awareness of its existence.
Prior to this breakthrough, colossal squids were primarily known through remains found in the stomachs of whales and seabirds or occasionally as dying adults caught in fishing nets. The Natural History Museum has noted that the lack of observations meant that "even to this day, the enormous invertebrates still straddle the line between legend and reality" BBC1.
Dr. Bolstad explained that colossal squids have likely avoided detection due to their large, sensitive eyes, which probably cause them to shy away from research equipment that can be bright and noisy. Additionally, squids may respond to perceived threats by holding completely still, hoping to go unnoticed NPR3.
The colossal squid is believed to be the largest invertebrate on Earth, with adults capable of growing up to 23 feet (7 meters) in length and weighing up to 1,100 pounds (500 kg). Their eyes are particularly impressive, measuring up to 10.5 inches across, making them the largest eyes in the animal kingdom Mashable2.
Future Implications for Deep-Sea Research and Conservation
This historic footage opens new avenues for scientific research and understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, with potentially far-reaching implications.
Scientists now have the opportunity to study the behavior of juvenile colossal squids, which could provide valuable insights into their life cycle, feeding habits, and development. Little is known about how these mysterious creatures transition from their transparent juvenile stage to their adult form BBC1.
The discovery is particularly notable as it occurred in one of Earth's most remote locations. During the expedition, the researchers were so isolated that the nearest humans were hundreds of miles away on the International Space Station BBC1.
The breakthrough also showcases the importance of advanced technology in marine exploration. The ROV SuBastian has now captured first-ever footage of three different squid species in their natural habitats, including this colossal squid, demonstrating the value of continued investment in deep-sea research technologies Mashable2.
Furthermore, the discovery underscores the vastness of what remains unknown about our oceans. In January, the same research team also captured the first-ever footage of a glacial glass squid, suggesting that many more marine species await discovery BBC1.
As our technological capabilities advance and more expeditions venture into the deep sea, what other legendary creatures might we finally encounter in their natural habitats, and how will these discoveries reshape our understanding of life in Earth's most mysterious frontier?
