The Schmidt Ocean Institute successfully captured the first live footage of a juvenile colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, during a recent expedition near the South Sandwich Islands. Previously, this species, known for its enormous size, was recognized only from remains found in the stomachs of predators. Recorded at nearly 2,000 feet, this footage opens new avenues for marine scientists to understand deep-sea life. This discovery was part of a broader mission exploring marine biodiversity, which also included the first-ever video of the glacial glass squid, further emphasizing the expedition's significance.
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.
For 100 years, we have mainly encountered them as prey remains in whale and seabird stomachs and as predators of harvested toothfish.
The first sighting of two different squids on back-to-back expeditions is remarkable and enhances our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity.
Collection
[
|
...
]