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This is the first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat. The team on Schmidt Ocean Institute's Research Vessel Falkor captured footage of the nearly one foot squid at a depth of 1,968 feet, using their remotely operated vehicle "SuBastian" on March 9, during an Ocean Census flagship expedition searching for new marine life. ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute hide caption
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ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute
A colossal squid has been captured on camera in its natural habitat for the first time in the 100 years since its discovery — and it's a baby.
The squid, measuring about one foot in length, was seen nearly 2,000 feet below the surface in March, in the South Atlantic Ocean, the Schmidt Ocean Institute said in a statement. The footage was recorded by an underwater vehicle operated remotely by a crew with the organization.
"It's exciting to see the first in situ [on site] footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist," said Dr. Kat Bolstad, an associate professor at the Auckland University of Technology who helped verify the footage. "For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs, and as predators of harvested toothfish."
Bolstad explained to NPR that reason colossal squids have likely not been caught on camera until now is due to their large, sensitive eyes, which probably cause them to avoid research equipment that can be bright and loud.
Because of their elusive nature, researchers still know little about their diet, lifespan or reproductive traits. But Bolstad said that this new footage allows scientists to gather more information about their behavior during the early stages of life.
The juvenile squid displayed had pearly eyes and organs and was transparent, typical for members of the Cranchiidae family, also known as "glass squids." As it matures, it will likely become more opaque as its muscles thicken, Bolstad said.
More on colossal squids
Colossal squids live in the deep sea near Antarctica. They can reach lengths of 23 feet and weigh at least 1,100 pounds, making them the heaviest known invertebrates. Their tentacles feature hooks that help them catch prey and defend themselves against predators, such as sperm whales.
These intriguing creatures were first discovered in 1925 when two of their appendages were found in the stomach of a sperm whale.
It's important to note that colossal squids should not to be confused with giant squids. While giant squids are longer, they are not as heavy. Giant squids also inhabit the deep sea but are found in tropical and temperate waters.
