For over a century, the colossal squid remained one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures—seen only in legends, deep-sea trawls, or as scraps inside whale stomachs. But now, for the first time ever, a living colossal squid has been captured on video, swimming freely in the deep. It’s a glimpse scientists never thought they’d get—until now.
A Creature of Myth, Filmed in Real Life
Colossal squid preserved in the Te Papa museum in Wellington. Image by wikimedia commons.
The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) has long been a source of fascination and speculation. With eyes the size of dinner plates and tentacles lined with rotating hooks, it was often called a sea monster. But what it truly looked like alive—how it moved, how it behaved—remained a mystery. That changed during a 35-day research expedition in the South Atlantic.
An Unexpected Guest in the South Sandwich Waters
Colossal Squid. Image via Unsplash
Near the chilly South Sandwich Islands, a remotely operated vehicle named SuBastian dove into the deep. Scientists watched in awe as a juvenile colossal squid—only about 30 centimeters long—appeared in front of the camera. Its nearly transparent body shimmered in the deep-blue glow, confirming its identity in seconds. It was the first living member of its kind ever recorded in the wild.
Hooked Tentacles and Crystal Skin
Colossal squid on display in the Te Papa museum in Wellington. Image via Scotted400, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Even at a young age, the squid’s traits were unmistakable. Those telltale hooked tentacles, gelatinous body, and massive eyes were all there—just on a smaller scale. While adults may weigh up to half a ton and stretch over 20 feet long, this youngster gave scientists a rare chance to see how the species begins its life in the depths.
A Global Effort Pays Off
Colossal squid. Image by Mgiganteus1, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The expedition was led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute and supported by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census and the GoSouth project. Scientists from the UK, Germany, and Antarctica worked together to make the mission possible. After years of relying on chance strandings and fishermen’s nets, this live sighting was a dream realized.
Why This Footage Changes Everything
colossal squid. Image by Laika ac from UK, CC BY-SA 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Studying a colossal squid in its natural habitat is more than just exciting—it’s groundbreaking. This footage allows researchers to learn about its movement, defense mechanisms, and role in the deep-sea ecosystem. For the first time, scientists can begin to answer questions about how this elusive animal really lives, far below the surface.
The Deep Still Has Stories to Tell
Colossal squid. Image by Mgiganteus1, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
As the video spread, awe rippled through the marine science world. It’s a reminder that even in 2025, there are still parts of Earth that remain unexplored. The colossal squid has always been a mystery—but now, we’ve finally seen it on its own terms, alive and at home in the abyss.
Author at Animals Around The Globe. BSc Biodiversity & Ecology
I spent my childhood in Scotland. In 2014, my family and I traveled around the world for 5 months, and ever since, I have had a passion for nature, adventuring, photography and videography. I am currently working towards a BSc in Biodiversity and Ecology at Stellenbosch University to go on to specialise in Marine Sciences one day.
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