For nearly a century, the colossal squid has been a shadowy enigma of the deep sea, known only through fragmented remains in predator stomachs or as dying specimens hauled to the surface. Now, for the first time, scientists have captured footage of a living colossal squid in its natural habitat. And while this individual is just a juvenile, its appearance offers a rare glimpse into the life of one of the ocean’s most elusive giants.
The footage was recorded on March 9 during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian, researchers spotted the squid at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet). Measuring just under one foot long, this juvenile represents the early life stage of a species that can grow up to 23 feet in length and weigh as much as 1,100 pounds, making it the heaviest invertebrate on Earth.
Kat Bolstad, a squid researcher at Auckland University of Technology, described the discovery as “honestly one of the most exciting observations that we’ve had across the time I’ve been working on deep-sea cephalopods.” Bolstad, who has previously reassembled colossal squid specimens from fishing bycatch, noted the striking features visible in the footage. “You can see the iridescent shine off the eyeballs,” she said, adding that the squid’s rust-colored spots hint at its ability to shift between transparency and opacity.
The colossal squid, a member of the glass squid family (Cranchiidae), is particularly challenging to study due to its remote Antarctic habitat and its extraordinary adaptations for survival in the deep sea. Its enormous eyes—the largest of any known animal—are thought to help it detect faint light in the pitch-black depths, including bioluminescent signals from prey or predators. These sensitive eyes may also explain why the species has evaded human observation for so long. As Aaron Evans, an expert in glass squids, explained, “Most adult colossal squid are probably going to try and want to get out of the area. From their perspective, anytime something large is coming towards them, it’s not a good thing.”
The juvenile squid in this footage, however, seemed unperturbed by the approaching ROV. Its delicate, transparent body, adorned with rust-colored chromatophores, resembled a glass sculpture. This fragile appearance is typical of young glass squids, which lose their transparency as they mature and develop thicker musculature. Bolstad noted, “It probably has fine control over whether it can do that in certain regions of the body.”
The discovery was part of a 35-day expedition conducted by the Schmidt Ocean Institute in collaboration with the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census and other international partners. The mission aimed to explore new marine species and habitats, focusing primarily on the seafloor. Yet, the sighting of the colossal squid was a serendipitous moment, captured during a live-streamed dive.
Evans, who helped identify the squid from the footage, recalled the excitement of recognizing its distinctive features, including the hooks on the middle of its eight arms. “I started hyperventilating,” he admitted during a press briefing. These hooks, along with others on the squid’s two tentacles, are unique adaptations that allow the animal to grasp prey and fend off predators.
Despite its juvenile size, the colossal squid’s biology hints at its formidable potential as an adult. With muscular arms, rotating hooks, and eyes as large as soccer balls, this species is well-equipped to dominate its deep-sea environment. Yet, as Bolstad emphasized, the footage also reveals a softer side to this often-misunderstood creature. “We get to introduce the live colossal squid to the world as this beautiful, little, delicate animal,” she said, countering the “monster hype” that often surrounds deep-sea discoveries.
The significance of this footage extends beyond the colossal squid itself. The deep sea, which constitutes 95% of Earth’s living space, remains one of the least explored regions of our planet. Each new discovery, from the colossal squid to other strange and wonderful creatures like carnivorous sponges and bioluminescent fish, adds a piece to the puzzle of our planet’s biodiversity.
Michelle Taylor, the expedition’s chief scientist, highlighted the importance of such research. “The deep sea is the largest habitat that we have on the planet,” she said. “It holds hundreds of thousands of undiscovered species, and it makes up 95% of the available living space on our planet.”
The colossal squid, first described in 1925 from remains found in a sperm whale’s stomach, has long been a symbol of the mysteries lurking in the ocean’s depths. This first confirmed footage of a live individual marks a milestone in deep-sea exploration and offers a tantalizing glimpse into the life of a creature that has fascinated scientists and storytellers alike.
As Bolstad aptly put it, “This is one of the planet’s true giants, living in one of our most pristine marine ecosystems. It’s a source of fascination and wonder, and it also plays a huge role in Antarctic food webs.” With further advancements in underwater technology, researchers hope to uncover more about this enigmatic species, from its diet and reproductive habits to its role in the ocean’s complex ecosystem.
For now, the baby colossal squid serves as a delicate ambassador for the wonders of the deep sea, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of life in one of Earth’s final frontiers.
