Colossal Squid Filmed Alive in Ocean After 100 Years of Discovery

Scientists have captured the first-ever video of a colossal squid in its natural deep-sea environment. The footage was taken near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

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Baby Squid Found 600 Meters Deep

A young colossal squid, about 30cm long, was filmed at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet). Scientists used a remote-controlled underwater robot to spot it during their 35-day expedition.

100 Years After Discovery, It Finally Appears Alive

This discovery comes exactly 100 years after the colossal squid was first identified. Although remains have been found inside whales and seabirds before, this is the first time one was seen alive at depth.

World's Heaviest Invertebrate

Experts say the colossal squid can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) long and weigh as much as 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). This makes it the heaviest invertebrate on Earth.

Scientists First Thought It Was Just a Strange Squid

Dr. Michelle Taylor from the University of Essex said the team filmed the squid because it looked “beautiful and unusual.” It was later confirmed by squid expert Dr. Kat Bolstad.

Still a Mystery in the Ocean

Scientists know very little about the colossal squid. As they grow, they lose their clear, see-through look. One unique feature is the sharp hooks found in the middle of their eight arms.

Rare Sightings Until Now

Before this, people had only seen dying adults while fishing. The squid has never been filmed alive at such a deep depth.

A Peek Into the Ocean’s Secrets

In another exciting discovery, scientists also filmed a glacial glass squid for the first time in January.
Dr. Jyotika Virmani from the Schmidt Ocean Institute said, “These moments remind us that the ocean is full of amazing creatures we’ve never seen before.”

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