Recently, a juvenile colossal squid was filmed swimming in the deep sea for the first time since its identification a century ago. The colossal squid, known scientifically as Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, was nearly one foot long and was captured on video by an international team of scientists and crew near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean. The footage was taken at a depth of 1,968 feet using a remotely operated vehicle called SuBastian. This is the first time the colossal squid has been seen alive on camera, as previously it had only been encountered as prey remains.
The colossal squid, which can grow up to 23 feet in length and weigh up to 1,100 pounds, is distinct from the giant squid in terms of body proportions and tentacles. The colossal squid has a larger body and shorter tentacles, and also has hooks on the middle of its eight arms. Despite being formally identified in 1925, little is known about the life cycle of the colossal squid.
This sighting marks another success for the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV SuBastian, which has previously captured footage of other rare squid species in the wild. Scientists hope that further research on the elusive colossal squid will help shed light on its behavior and biology.
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