A rare event was captured by an international team aboard the research vessel Falkor (too). For the first time, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed in its natural habitat.
The sighting occurred on March 9 near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic. The squid, measuring 12 inches (30 cm), was spotted at a depth of 1,970 feet (600 meters) by the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian. This discovery marks the centenary of the species' identification.
First confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat. The team captured footage of the 12-inch (30 cm) squid at a depth of 1,970 feet (600 meters) during an expedition near the South Sandwich Islands.
Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute
The 35-day expedition was a collaboration between several institutions, including the Schmidt Ocean Institute. It aimed to discover new forms of marine life. Colossal squids can grow up to 23 feet (7 meters) long, but their life cycle remains largely unknown.
Experts confirmed the squid's identification through unique features, such as hooks on its arms.
Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute In January, the same team filmed another rare squid, the Galiteuthis glacialis, near Antarctica. These successive observations highlight how mysterious the Southern Ocean remains. The Schmidt Ocean Institute continues to contribute to the discovery of unknown marine species.
The high-resolution footage allows experts worldwide to study these creatures without being on board. This method opens new perspectives for oceanographic research. The colossal squid and Galiteuthis glacialis are now better understood thanks to these technological advancements.
How do colossal squids survive in the deep?
Colossal squids thrive in extreme environments, where pressure is immense and light is nearly absent. Their bodies are adapted to withstand these conditions, with thick skin and powerful muscles.
These creatures also possess some of the largest eyes in the animal kingdom, allowing them to detect the faintest glimmers in the darkness. This adaptation is crucial for spotting prey or avoiding predators.
Their diet mainly includes fish and other squids. The hooks on their arms enable them to grip prey firmly, even in the strong currents of the ocean depths.
What is the role of ROVs in marine exploration?
Remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) like SuBastian are essential for exploring areas inaccessible to humans. They can dive thousands of feet deep, where pressure would crush a manned submersible.
Equipped with high-definition cameras and manipulator arms, these robots collect valuable data without disturbing the ecosystem. They allow researchers to study rare species in their natural environment.
ROVs are also used to map the seafloor and study shipwrecks. Their flexibility and endurance make them indispensable tools for oceanographers.