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3mo ago

First Live Footage of Colossal Squid Captured in Deep Ocean

A juvenile colossal squid was filmed near the South Sandwich Islands, marking a historic milestone in deep-sea exploration and the species' 100th anniversary of discovery.

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first footage colossal squid
An image of a nearly one-foot-long colossal squid, which was caught on camera live for the first time in its natural environment in the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

Overview

  • The Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian filmed a 30 cm juvenile colossal squid at 600 meters depth on March 9, 2025, near the South Sandwich Islands.
  • The footage, verified by experts Dr. Kat Bolstad and Dr. Aaron Evans, marks the first confirmed in-situ observation of Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni in its natural habitat.
  • Colossal squids, the heaviest invertebrates on Earth, can grow up to 7 meters in length and weigh as much as 500 kilograms, though much of their lifecycle remains a mystery.
  • This discovery coincides with the 100th anniversary of the species' formal identification in 1925, highlighting a century of scientific curiosity about this elusive creature.
  • The expedition also builds on recent breakthroughs, including the first live footage of the glacial glass squid in January, showcasing advancements in deep-sea exploration technology and global collaboration.