Scientists Record Groundbreaking Footage of a Colossal Squid in Its Natural Environment

Following their earlier success in capturing rare video of a giant squid, researchers have reached another significant achievement in deep-sea exploration: obtaining the first verified footage of a colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its environment.

Colossal squid, which were first identified by researchers in 1925, are remarkable beings that dwell in the icy waters of the Antarctic. Their remote and harsh habitat makes them one of the ocean’s greatest enigmas. However, thanks to the Schmidt Ocean Institute, a prominent entity in marine research, we now have a rarely seen look at this species in the wild.

Employing their advanced remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, the research team filmed a juvenile colossal squid on March 9 near the South Sandwich Islands in the southern Atlantic Ocean. The squid was observed gliding approximately 1,968 feet (600 meters) below the ocean’s surface.

Kat Bolstad, a cephalopod specialist from Auckland University of Technology who assisted in verifying the footage, shared her enthusiasm: “It’s exhilarating to see the initial in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to consider that they are unaware of human existence. For a century, our interactions have mostly been with their remnants found in the stomachs of whales and seabirds, or as hunters of commercially harvested toothfish.”

During a press briefing on April 15, she added, “This genuinely is one of the most thrilling observations we’ve encountered throughout my research on deep-sea cephalopods.”

Although the squid captured on film was a juvenile, measuring just under a foot in length, adult colossal squids are enormous. They can reach lengths of up to 23 feet (and potentially greater), weigh more than 1,100 pounds, and possess the largest eyes of any known creature — around 10.5 inches in diameter, comparable to a soccer ball.

The ROV SuBastian, designed to dive to depths of 14,763 feet (4,500 meters), has now documented first-time footage of three distinct squid species in their natural settings. Alongside the colossal squid, it previously recorded the Ram’s Horn Squid (Spirula spirula) in 2020 and the Promachoteuthis.

Utilizing robotic explorers like SuBastian in the vastness of the ocean continues to generate extraordinary findings. “We always make discoveries when venturing into the deep sea. You constantly encounter things you’ve never seen before,” remarked Derek Sowers, an expedition leader with NOAA Ocean Exploration.

These findings are not only thrilling — they are crucial. As the interest in deep-sea mining escalates, with companies gearing up to deploy heavy machinery across the seafloor, scientists emphasize the necessity of comprehending and safeguarding these delicate ecosystems. The deep ocean is a reservoir of unique biodiversity and harbors untapped potential for medical advancements.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), marine invertebrates generate more antibiotic, anti-cancer, and anti-inflammatory substances than any group of terrestrial organisms. “There’s life down there that has the potential to offer — and already has offered — us medicines,” stated Jyotika Virmani, oceanographer and executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

As exploration pushes forward, scientists aspire to uncover more of the ocean’s mysteries — and ensure its conservation for generations to come.