Live Colossal Squid Filmed for the First Time Ever
In a groundbreaking achievement, researchers at the Schmidt Ocean Institute have successfully captured footage of a live colossal squid in its natural habitat, a century after the species was first discovered. The remarkable video was filmed 2,254 feet below sea level near Antarctica using a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV).
The colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, is the world’s heaviest invertebrate, with some specimens reaching lengths of up to 43 feet and weighing as much as 1,000 pounds. Despite its massive size, the species has remained elusive and has only been caught on camera a handful of times in the past.
The video, which has been released on YouTube, shows the colossal squid swimming slowly through the dark, icy waters of the Antarctic Ocean. The animal’s massive tentacles and suckers are clearly visible as it moves through the water, its bioluminescent spots glowing in the darkness.
The footage was captured by the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV, which is equipped with high-definition cameras and advanced sensors. The institute’s researchers have been studying the Antarctic Ocean and its inhabitants for several years, and this latest achievement is a major milestone in their efforts to explore and understand the region.
“We are thrilled to have captured this footage of the colossal squid,” said Dr. Samantha Rypien, a researcher with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “This species is incredibly rare and elusive, and it’s a testament to the power of our ROV and our team’s expertise that we were able to capture it on camera.”
The colossal squid is a deep-sea dweller, and its habitat is characterized by extreme cold and darkness. The species is thought to feed on large fish and other squid, and its massive size is likely an adaptation to its deep-sea environment.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute’s ROV is designed to withstand the extreme pressures and conditions of the deep sea, allowing researchers to explore areas that would be impossible for humans to reach. The vehicle is equipped with a range of sensors and instruments, including high-definition cameras, sonar, and water samplers.
The institute’s researchers have been studying the Antarctic Ocean and its inhabitants for several years, and their work has shed new light on the region’s unique ecosystems and the species that inhabit them. The colossal squid is just one of many fascinating creatures that can be found in the Antarctic Ocean, and the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s researchers are working to learn more about this incredible region.
The video of the colossal squid has been viewed millions of times on YouTube, and it has generated widespread interest and excitement among scientists and the general public alike. It’s a reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet, and the importance of continuing to explore and understand our world.
Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/lzPoG9H8Hlo
Source: https://youtu.be/lzPoG9H8Hlo
