Scientists from the University of Western Australia captured footage of the super rare Deep-Sea Hooked Squid! Read to learn more about these elusive creatures, and check out the images!
The Deep-Sea Hooked Squid
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These fascinating cephalopods also known as Onkyia, live in the deep ocean and have been very elusive to humans – until now! The squid was captured at around a depth of 1.6 miles in the Samoan Passage.
One Of The Largest
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Deep-sea hooked squid is one of the largest deep-sea squid species and is known for their large photophores at the end of two of their arms. Which also happens to be the largest photophores in the world!
What Do Their Photophores Do?
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They use their photophores to produce a bright, bioluminescent light underwater to startle their prey accustomed to the darkness of the deep sea.
Appearance
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The deep-sea hooked squid has not only glowing photophores on two of its tentacles but also has distinctive hooks on their ends. These hooks are used to capture their prey after they are disorientated by the sudden flashes of light.
The Realization
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The scientists deployed free-fall baited cameras into the ocean known as the Somoan Passage. While looking at the footage they got after retrieving the cameras, the realized that they caught something extremely rare! The Deep-Sea Hooked Squid, scientifically known as Taningia danae!
The Visuals
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The squid thought the camera was prey, and used its bright “headlights” to shine a light to startle the prey. He proceeded to wrap his arms around the camera, allowing great detail of the elusive animal to be captured. You can watch the video at the end of this article.
Rare Encounter
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Deep-sea hooked squids have only ever been recorded from accidental bycatches, in the stomach contents of whales or strandings. Making this live observation of the animal in its natural habitat a feat for science!
Where Do They Live?
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These elusive squids live in the depths of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They live between 660 and 6,600 feet deep!
Deep-Sea Hooked Squid Diet
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These animals follow a carnivorous diet and eat other cephalopods, fish, and other marine invertebrates. Catching their prey with their hooked tentacles after stunning them with their photophores.
Hunting
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These cephalopods catch their prey through stealth and surprise. They first stun their prey with their bright lights shining from their photophores before using their hooked arms to catch them. They are silent swimmers and spot their prey with their large eyes.
Size
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The squid captured in the video was about 30 inches long. But these animals can grow up to 6 feet long! Luckily, with their tentacles included.
Hooked Tentacles
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What sets these squids apart from others is their unique tentacles! Unlike most squids who have suckers on their tentacles, the hooked squid has, as you could guess, hooked tentacles! These help them capture and hold onto their slippery prey.
Predators
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Although their deep-sea habitat protects them from many predators, they are still hunted by larger marine animals. For instance, sperm whales, sharks, and larger fish that roam in their habitat.
Defense Mechanism
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Like most other squid, the deep sea hooked squid also has an ink sack. They act as a defense mechanism when predators approach them, and by releasing a cloud of ink they have the chance to swim to safety.
Social Habits
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Most of these squids lead solitary lives and only gather in groups when it is breeding season.
Reproduction
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Like other squids, they reproduce through the male’s transfer of a spermatophore into the female. Females then lay eggs which are left to develop and hatch, with no parental care!
A Feat For Science
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The incredible footage caught by the team of scientists from Australia might have been a stroke of luck, but the rare glimpse into the life of this rare squid is a feat for science! And, it is incredible to witness just some of what goes on in the mystery called the deep sea.
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