A juvenile colossal squid, *Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni*, was filmed in its natural habitat for the first time. The footage was captured at a depth of 600 meters in Antarctic waters by the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian. This marks a significant moment in understanding these elusive creatures.
The colossal squid, also known as the Antarctic cranch squid or giant squid, can grow up to 10-14 meters long. They can weigh between 500-700 kg, making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. Little is known about their life cycle, making this footage invaluable.
Researchers from the Auckland University of Technology and the University of Essex expressed excitement over the discovery. They highlighted that for years, encounters with colossal squid were limited to prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs. The Schmidt Ocean Institute also reported filming the glacial glass squid (*Galiteuthis glacialis*) in the Southern Ocean, another rare sighting.
Experts differentiate colossal squid from *Galiteuthis glacialis* by the hooks on their arms. Both species share similar transparent bodies and sharp hooks on their tentacles as juveniles. These back-to-back sightings underscore how much remains unknown about the Southern Ocean's inhabitants.