Check out the first confirmed images of the colossal squid — a rare and enigmatic species from the depths of the sea

Written by Fabio Lucas Carvalho

Published 17/04/2025 às 22:23

Researchers recently captured the first confirmed video of the colossal squid in its natural habitat. ROV SuBastian/Schmidt Ocean Institute

After decades of reports and mysteries, researchers have released the first confirmed images of the colossal squid — one of the rarest and little-known creatures in the deep ocean.

A team of scientists has captured the first confirmed footage of a live colossal squid in its natural habitat. The footage shows a baby squid species, considered one of the most enigmatic creatures in the ocean depths.

The video was recorded on March 9 by researchers aboard a Schmidt Ocean Institute vessel near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

The footage was captured while a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was exploring the depths of the sea and broadcasting live.

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A delicate and rare puppy

The squid recorded is about 30 centimeters long, which indicates that it is a baby. Scientist Kat Bolstad, from Auckland University of Technology, highlighted the creature's visual appearance: "We have the opportunity to present the living colossal squid to the world as a beautiful, small and delicate animal."

She added that the event offers a new perspective on deep-sea creatures, which are often portrayed in an exaggerated way. “It highlights the magnificence of many deep-sea creatures without all the monstrous fanfare,” Bolstad said during a press conference.

According to scientists, the young of this species have a transparent body, but they lose this characteristic as adults. Despite the fragile appearance of the recorded young, the adults of this species are known to be powerful predators.

Little knowledge after a century

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) was first formally identified 100 years ago, in 1925. At the time, its existence was confirmed from remains found in the stomach of a sperm whale.

Since then, only eight adult specimens have been identified. Of these, six were also discovered inside whales. This shows how rare it is to find this species in good conditions for study.

Bolstad, who has already reconstructed a colossal squid from its remains, calls this new record one of the most exciting in the history of marine biology. She says it is one of the most exciting observations ever made about the species.

Habitat, size and characteristics

Colossal squids usually live in Antarctic waters, at depths of more than 977 meters, as well as in areas close to New Zealand. They belong to the glass squid family and can reach up to 7 meters in length, with an estimated weight of 500 kilos.

If the data is correct, the colossal squid is the world's heaviest invertebrate. Its eyes, which are extremely sensitive to light, are larger than soccer balls — which could make them the largest eyes of any known animal.

So capturing one of these creatures on video is an unusual feat. The lighting from the equipment and the noise from the engines make it difficult to get close. Bolstad points out that the squid probably avoids light and sound, which explains the difficulty in documenting its existence alive.

An important step for science

Expert Aaron Evans, also from Auckland University of Technology, said the discovery of the baby squid represents a significant step forward. “It gives us a starting point, because the life history of the colossal squid itself is not well known,” he explained.

According to Evans, observing an individual at an intermediate size, between a hatchling and an adult, helps to better understand the growth and life cycle of the species, which is still a great mystery to science.

In an article, Bolstad describes the animal’s appearance as a “delicate glass sculpture.” She mentions its subtly muscled fins, iridescent eyes, and fan-shaped arms. As adults, these same arms are equipped with sharp, robust hooks.

Although another team recorded what could have been a colossal squid in 2023, the previous footage was not of sufficient quality to confirm it. The current footage therefore represents the first clear visual evidence of a living colossal squid.

The seabed: vital and unknown space

In addition to the scientific impact, Bolstad emphasizes the importance of studying underwater environments. She points out that the seabed represents 95% of the Earth's living space and plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate.

“Observing the colossal squid gives us the opportunity to learn about this remote place,” she said. The scientist believes that the wonder generated by these discoveries can bring the public closer to the importance of preserving and understanding the oceans.

This historic footage not only captures a legendary creature, but also reignites the fascination with the depths of the sea — a universe still full of secrets yet to be revealed.

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Check out the first confirmed images of the colossal squid — a rare and enigmatic species from the depths of the sea