Colossal squid are considered to be the world’s largest known invertebrates. When fully grown, they can reach up to 23-feet in length. For perspective, that is nearly the size of a small fire truck. And yet, despite their massive size, scientists have only ever observed them from the bellies of whales and seabirds. At least, that was the case until now!
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Recently, an international team of researchers explored the deep sea using a remotely operated submersible. Once they reached a depth of 1,968 feet, they came across something unexpected. It was a squid, but it was unlike any other. But here is the thing: It wasn’t immediately clear that it was a colossal squid. Sure, the size might have given it away… if it were an adult. But that is not what they found. Instead, they managed to discover a baby, making it the first colossal squid caught on camera.
@scientificamerican A colossal squid was filmed for the first time ever—and it turned out to be a baby! We've known about the existence of colossal squids for a century, but the animals had mainly been found among the stomach contents of whales and seabirds. This is the first time we've captured video footage of one in its natural habitat. Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel spotted the colossal squid about 2,000 feet beneath the surface near the South Sandwich Islands. The baby squid could reach up to 23 feet long and weigh over 1000 pounds when fully grown. ✏️ Ashley Balzer Vigil 📹 Schmidt Ocean Institute 🎶 Triple Scoop #colossalsquid #stem #squid #babysquid #marine #oceans #deepocean #marinebiology #deepsea ♬ original sound – Scientific American
Near the South Sandwich Islands, Researchers Remotely Capture Footage of a Colossal Squid for the Very First Time
Before this footage was released, steps were taken to verify the species of the sea creature. Needless to say, getting that confirmation was quite the cause for celebration! This is true, in part, because researchers will now be testing different cameras in hopes of finding an adult soon, too.
“I really love that we have seen a young colossal squid first,” Kat Bolstad, a squid researcher who helped confirm the squid’s species shares. “This animal is so beautiful.”
Size isn’t the only way that baby colossal squids differ from their adult selves. As little ones, they are almost entirely transparent, as can be seen in that stunning video. They also have rather thin arms. On the contrary, adults are opaque with a dark red or purple hue.
You can find the source of this story’s featured image here!
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