For the first time in history, scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) have captured live footage of the elusive colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its natural environment. The remarkable sighting occurred on March 9 during an expedition near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, marking a significant milestone in marine biology.
The juvenile colossal squid, measuring approximately 30 centimeters (nearly one foot) in length, was filmed at a depth of 600 meters (nearly 2,000 feet) by the Institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian. This discovery comes as part of a yearlong celebration marking the 100th anniversary of the formal identification and naming of the colossal squid, a species belonging to the glass squid family (Cranchiidae).
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A Historic Expedition
According to the press release, the 35-day expedition, which captured the stunning footage, was part of the Ocean Census flagship expedition, a collaboration between the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth. The international team of scientists and crew set out to explore and document new marine life, contributing to a broader understanding of the biodiversity lurking in the depths of our oceans.
Dr. Kat Bolstad from Auckland University of Technology, one of the independent scientific experts who verified the footage, expressed her excitement at the rare sighting. “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,” she said. “For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish.”
The Colossal Squid: A Deep-Sea Giant
The colossal squid, which can grow up to an impressive seven meters (23 feet) in length and weigh as much as 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds), holds the title of being the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. However, very little is known about its life cycle or behavior in the wild. While adult colossal squid have previously been observed in fishing nets after death, this is the first time a living juvenile has been filmed in its natural deep-sea habitat.
One of the most distinctive features of the colossal squid is the presence of hooks along the middle of its eight arms. These hooks set it apart from other members of the glass squid family, such as the glacial glass squid (Galiteuthis glacialis), which was filmed in the Southern Ocean near Antarctica earlier this year. Dr. Aaron Evans, another independent expert on the glass squid family, confirmed the footage of both squid species, noting the unique differences in their anatomy and behavior.
Revealing the Mysteries of the Southern Ocean
The colossal squid footage is part of a growing body of groundbreaking discoveries in the Southern Ocean, a region still largely unexplored due to its remote and inhospitable nature. The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s SuBastian ROV, which has been at the forefront of these discoveries, has previously captured the first confirmed footage of other rare squid species, including the Ram’s Horn Squid (Spirula spirula) in 2020 and Promachoteuthis in 2024.
The first confirmed footage of the glacial glass squid (G. glacialis) was captured on January 25 during an expedition to the Bellingshausen Sea, near Antarctica. These squid, with their transparent bodies and distinct postures, are among the many species that have remained largely hidden from human eyes. Dr. Thom Linley, a deep-sea expert from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, was instrumental in identifying the species when the footage was broadcast live to the mission control room aboard the Falkor (too).
A Collaborative Effort to Expand Our Knowledge
“This discovery is a testament to the power of international collaboration in scientific exploration,” said Dr. Michelle Taylor, the chief scientist on the South Sandwich Islands expedition. “The Ocean Census international science network is proud to work together with the Schmidt Ocean Institute to accelerate species discovery and expand our knowledge of ocean life, live online with the world’s science community.”
Dr. Jyotika Virmani, executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, also emphasized the significance of these sightings: “The first sighting of two different squid species on back-to-back expeditions is remarkable and shows how little we have seen of the magnificent inhabitants of the Southern Ocean.”
Looking to the Future
Despite these exciting revelations, the deep ocean remains an enigmatic realm filled with untold mysteries. The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV SuBastian has now captured footage of at least four previously unknown squid species in the wild, reminding us just how much of the ocean’s biodiversity remains unexplored.
“These unforgettable moments continue to remind us that the ocean is brimming with mysteries yet to be solved,” said Virmani, reflecting on the team’s continued efforts to document and understand the complex life forms that inhabit the deep sea.
