Watch: First footage of colossal squid captured in deep ocean

​In a groundbreaking achievement for marine biology, scientists have captured the first-ever footage of a live colossal squid in its natural deep-sea habitat.

This rare sighting occurred on March 9, 2025, near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean, during a 35-day expedition by the Schmidt Ocean Institute aboard the research vessel Falkor. ​

The juvenile squid, measuring approximately 30 centimeters (about one foot) in length, was recorded at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet) using the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian.

This marks the first confirmed video of Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, the colossal squid, in its natural environment. Previously, knowledge of this elusive species was limited to specimens found in the stomachs of predators like sperm whales or caught in fishing nets.

Colossal squids are known to be the heaviest invertebrates on Earth, with adults reaching lengths up to 7 meters (23 feet) and weights up to 500 kilograms. The juvenile’s translucent body and distinctive hooked tentacles helped scientists confirm its identity.

Experts believe that the species’ large eyes, measuring about 27 centimeters (10.6 inches) across, may aid in detecting approaching threats in the deep sea, contributing to their elusive nature. ​

This discovery coincides with the 100th anniversary of the species’ formal identification in 1925. The expedition was a collaborative effort involving the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and the GoSouth project, with contributions from institutions in the UK, Germany, and Antarctica.