Colossal Squid Filmed Alive in Natural Habitat for First Time

For the first time, a live colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) has been filmed in its natural habitat, a century after its scientific description. The video captures a young squid, approximately 30 cm long, at a depth of 600 meters near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic. This event marks a significant milestone in deep-sea research.

The colossal squid belongs to the glass squid family (Cranchiidae) and is known as the heaviest invertebrate on Earth. Adult specimens can reach lengths of up to seven meters and weigh as much as 500 kilograms. The video was recorded in early March by an international team aboard the research vessel R/V Falkor (too), operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian.

The sighting occurred during an Ocean Census expedition, an international project focused on discovering new marine life. The footage reveals a nearly transparent creature with iridescent eyes and elegant, fan-shaped arms. Researchers confirmed the squid's identity based on the distinctive hooks present on its arms.