Colossal squid caught on deep-sea camera for first time, researchers say
Colossal squid caught on camera in deep sea for the first time
A team of international scientists has filmed a colossal squid in its natural deep-sea habitat for the very first time. Captured near the South Sandwich Islands at a depth of nearly 2,000 feet, the rare juvenile squid appears almost transparent — a stark contrast to the massive, dark red adults known to reach 23 feet in length. The footage, released by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, marks a groundbreaking moment in marine biology.
For the first time ever, a colossal squid has been captured on camera in the deep sea, offering researchers a rare look at one of the ocean’s most elusive giants.
The footage was captured last month near the South Sandwich Islands by an international team using a remotely operated submersible, and the sighting was confirmed Tuesday by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
What do they look like?
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The squid was a juvenile measuring about one foot long — far smaller than adults, which can grow up to 23 feet and weigh more than 1,500 pounds. The young squid was recorded at a depth of 1,968 feet in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Colossal squids are among the largest known invertebrates but have been notoriously difficult to observe in the wild. Most scientific knowledge of the species comes from carcasses recovered from the stomachs of sperm whales or washed ashore.
A juvenile colossal squid appears nearly transparent as it swims through the deep sea near the South Sandwich Islands — the first time the species has ever been caught on camera in its natural habitat. (Schmidt Ocean Institute.)
This juvenile had a nearly transparent body with delicate arms. As they mature, colossal squids become darker and more opaque, typically a deep red or purple color.
"I really love that we have seen a young colossal squid first. This animal is so beautiful," said Kat Bolstad, a squid researcher at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, who helped confirm the sighting.
What's next:
The team is continuing to test different deep-sea camera systems, hoping to capture footage of a full-grown adult in its natural habitat — a milestone that could further unlock the mysteries of this deep-sea predator.
The Source: This story includes reporting by The Associated Press. Additional scientific confirmation was provided by Auckland University of Technology and Schmidt Ocean Institute. This story was reported from Los Angeles.