This year marks 100 years since scientists first discovered and formally named the colossal squid, so it may be hard to believe that this year is also the first time ever that we’re seeing confirmed footage of the deep-sea creature in its natural habitat.
An international team of scientists filmed a baby colossal squid on March 9, nearly 2,000 feet below the surface of the South Atlantic Ocean, near the South Sandwich Islands. The footage was recorded by a remotely operated, underwater vehicle called the SuBastian. It happened during a 35-day mission aimed at finding new marine life.
Until now scientists mostly only saw the remains of colossal squid after they fell prey to whales or other marine life. Dying adults have also been previously filmed by fishermen, but never alive or at this depth.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute says the baby colossal squid was nearly one foot long, and it had one of the most distinguishing characteristics of a colossal squid – hooks on the middle of its eight arms.
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As it grows older this colossal squid will lose its captivating translucency, growing more opaque as its muscles develop. Researchers believe colossal squid can grow up to 23 feet in length and weigh more than 1,000 lbs. That’s what makes them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet.
But there’s still a lot we don’t know about this deep-sea creature and its life cycle. Dr. Kat Bolstad of The Auckland University of Technology was one of the scientific experts who helped confirm the footage and she said, “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.”
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute added, “These unforgettable moments continue to remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved.”
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