First-Ever Footage of Colossal Squid in the Wild: Watch This Rare Encounter Unfold!

The colossal squid, known as the heaviest invertebrate in the world, has been filmed alive for the first time. This moment is significant, marking a century since the species was first identified.

These fascinating creatures can grow up to 23 feet long and weigh nearly half a ton. The squid caught on video near the South Sandwich Islands was a juvenile, measuring about 11.8 inches. This footage was captured by scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, Falkor. They used a remotely operated vehicle, named SuBastian, during a 35-day mission to explore new marine life.

Dr. Jyotika Virmani from the Schmidt Ocean Institute expressed excitement about this discovery, stating, “These unforgettable moments remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved.” Before this, the colossal squid had mostly been seen inside the stomachs of whales and seabirds, or as dying adults found in fishermen’s nets. This is the first time anyone has filmed them alive in their deep-sea habitat.

Little is known about the colossal squid’s life cycle. Interestingly, as adults, these squids lose their transparent appearance. The team aboard Falkor spent several days verifying the footage—confirming its identity based on the distinctive sharp hooks on its tentacles.

Dr. Kat Bolstad, an expert from Auckland University of Technology who assisted in verifying the footage, shared her thoughts: “It’s exciting to see this first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal. It’s humbling to realize they have no idea that humans exist.”

This expedition involved a collaboration of organizations including the Schmidt Ocean Institute and the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, alongside the GoSouth project, which connects several universities and research centers across the UK, Germany, and Antarctica.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the colossal squid’s discovery, this event highlights how much we still have to learn about our oceans. Modern technology is opening doors to uncover the mysteries of marine life, revealing glimpses of creatures that have evaded our understanding for so long.

For further insights into ocean exploration and marine biology, you can check out resources from the Schmidt Ocean Institute here.

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