Thought to be extinct, colossal squid spotted in its natural habitat for first time in 100 years
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, identified in 1925, is usually found as dead remains in sperm whale and sleeper sharks mostly.
Researchers on the Falkor vessel of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, during an expedition shot the first footage of the colossal squid on March 9. The creature was thought to be extinct and was seen for the first time in 100 years.
The marine scientists during their expedition between the waters of Argentina and Antarctica discovered the species swimming freely in its natural habitat reported several media agencies.
The squid was identified to be young due to the transparent appearance and measured around 30 cm near the South Sandwich Islands at a depth of 600 metres. It was shot using a remote-operated underwater vehicle.
The scientific name of the squid is Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni. The Colossal squid is found as remains in the stomachs of whales or as dying specimens by the fishermen. A unique feature of the squid is that it is transparent in appearance and as it ages the transparency reduces.
It has rotating hooks on its arms which is a striking feature of this squid. In the video , the squid can be seen gliding in the dark oceans water with its long tentacles. On maturity, the squid reaches a length of seven metres and weighs around 500 kg.
The same group of scientists also captured the first-ever glacial glass squid in January.
Watch the video here:
The colossal squid—one of nature’s most elusive animals, and the world’s most massive squid species—was first identified 100 years ago using remains found in the stomach of a sperm whale. Now, one has been filmed alive in its natural oceanic environment for the first time. pic.twitter.com/yeqLs6b0Xq
— National Geographic (@NatGeo) April 15, 2025
