Historic Footage of the Colossal Squid

In an astonishing breakthrough, researchers have captured the colossal squid—known as the heaviest invertebrate on Earth—alive in its natural habitat for the very first time! This incredible event marks a significant moment in marine biology, occurring a full century after the species was first scientifically identified.

The Giant of the Deep

Up to an astonishing 23 feet (7 meters) long and weighing nearly half a ton, the colossal squid, scientifically named *Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni*, is an oceanic marvel. However, the juvenile featured in the recently released footage measures only about 11.8 inches (30 cm), shot near the remote South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

An Expedition to Remember

The groundbreaking video was taken during a 35-day expedition led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute aboard the exploration vessel Falkor. Thanks to a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian, scientists were able to observe and film this nearly transparent baby squid as it glided through the mysterious depths of the ocean.

Unveiling Oceanic Mysteries

Dr. Virmani, a key figure in the expedition, expressed excitement about the findings: "These unforgettable moments continue to remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved." For a century, colossal squids were mostly known through dissection of whales and seabirds, as their living forms had eluded mankind.

Sneak Peek into the Life of the Colossal Squid

Despite this monumental discovery, we still know little about the life cycle of these enigmatic creatures. As they mature, they lose their transparent appearance and develop distinctive features like sharp hooks on their tentacles—traits that set them apart from other glass squid species.

Collaboration Across Oceans

This remarkable footage was verified by a team of independent experts, including Dr. Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology, who reflected on the experience: "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." The expedition was a collaborative effort involving the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and various prominent marine research organizations.

A Century of Mystery

As we celebrate this incredible milestone, it’s worth noting that this year marks the 100th anniversary of the formal identification and naming of the colossal squid, a symbol of the ocean's mysteries still waiting to be unveiled.