Scientists aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor (too) captured the first confirmed video of a live colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) in its deep-sea environment. This marks a historic moment, as 2025 is the 100-year anniversary of the species’ discovery.
The sighting occurred at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet) near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, a remote Antarctic region. All of the footage you see was recorded using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian during a 35-day Ocean Census expedition aimed at discovering new marine life.
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This particular colossal squid was a baby, measuring just under 1 foot long. Colossal squids are the heaviest known invertebrates, with adults estimated to grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) and weigh up to 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds). Due to its age, it still has a transparent, “glass-like” body typical of the glass squids, with iridescent eyes and rust-colored spots. Adults lose this transparency as their muscles thicken.
It’s incredible that we can leverage the power of the taxonomic community through R/V Falkor (too) telepresence while we are out at sea. The Ocean Census international science network is proud to work together with the Schmidt Ocean Institute to accelerate species discovery and expand our knowledge of ocean life, live online with the world’s science community,” said the Dr. Michelle Taylor, expedition’s chief scientist.
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