Colossal squid filmed in ocean for the first time

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have successfully filmed a colossal squid in its natural habitat for the very first time. This remarkable event took place during an extensive expedition in the south Atlantic Ocean, where researchers embarked on a 35-day journey to explore and document new marine life. The colossal squid, a juvenile measuring approximately 30 centimeters in length, was captured on camera at a staggering depth of 600 meters, near the South Sandwich Islands. This sighting is particularly significant as it marks the first time since the species was identified a century ago that a live specimen has been observed in its environment. The team of scientists, led by an academic from the University of Essex, utilized a remote-controlled underwater vehicle to locate and film the squid. The area they were exploring was so isolated that the nearest humans were hundreds of miles away aboard the International Space Station. Dr. Michelle Taylor, the chief scientist on the expedition, expressed her initial uncertainty about the squid's identity but noted its 'beautiful and unusual' appearance, prompting the team to document the encounter. Following the recording, Dr. Kat Bolstad verified the footage, highlighting that previous encounters with colossal squids had primarily involved finding their remains in the stomachs of whales and seabirds. Dr. Bolstad remarked, '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. ' This statement underscores the mystery surrounding these creatures, as little is known about their life cycle. As colossal squids mature, they are believed to lose their transparent appearance, which is a characteristic of juveniles. Another fascinating aspect of this species is the presence of hooks located on the middle of their eight arms. While dying adults have been observed by fishermen, no one has ever witnessed a live colossal squid at such depths until now. The Natural History Museum has previously suggested that the lack of observations has led to these creatures straddling the line between myth and reality. In 2022, the museum noted that the limited sightings of colossal squids contribute to their enigmatic status. In addition to the colossal squid, researchers also filmed a glacial glass squid for the first time during this expedition. This unique squid features a transparent body with an orange tint on its upper half and tentacles near its head. Dr. Jyotika Virmani, the executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, expressed her excitement about capturing footage of two different squid species during consecutive expeditions. She stated, 'The first sighting of two different squids on back-to-back expeditions is remarkable and shows how little we have seen of the magnificent inhabitants of the southern ocean. ' Dr. Virmani emphasized that these unforgettable moments serve as a reminder that the ocean is teeming with mysteries yet to be uncovered.