The first live footage of an Antarctic gonate squid was recorded beneath the Southern Ocean at 7,060 feet (2,152 metres). The blood-red, hook-tentacled squid was observed by an ROV, SuBastian, deployed from the R/V Falkor after thick sea ice prevented ship passage to the Powell Basin. The specimen released a cloud of greenish ink when illuminated and was identified by specialist Kat Bolstad. Antarctic gonate squid were previously known only from dead specimens in nets or stomachs. These squid likely inhabit the midnight or bathypelagic zone between 3,300 and 13,100 feet (1,000–4,000 metres), where bioluminescent life provides the only light.
Scientists have captured the first ever footage of an elusive Antarctic squid living beneath the Southern Ocean. The rare Antarctic gonate squid was spotted more than 7,000 feet (2,152 metres) deep in the freezing waters off Antarctica. This is the first time that this blood-red, hook-tentacled species has ever been seen alive in its natural habitat. The secretive creature was spotted by researchers aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel, the R/V Falkor (too).
Although scientists have known about the existence of Antarctic gonate squid for over 100 years, all the evidence about their lives comes from dead specimens. The squid have been found in fishermen's nets or preserved in the stomachs of other animals, but never alive in the wild. Scientists believe that these creatures spend most of their lives living in the midnight or bathypelagic zone, between 3,300 and 13,100 feet down (1,000 to 4,000 metres).
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