First-Ever Footage of Baby Colossal Squid Stuns Global Audiences During Live Dive
April 15, 2025
The sighting was a serendipitous event during a live 'divestream' feed from a remotely operated vehicle, part of a mission aimed at exploring deep-sea species and habitats.
The encounter highlights the challenges of observing deep-sea creatures, as they are often elusive and tend to avoid human-made equipment due to its noise and brightness.
Dr. Aaron Evans, an expert on glass squids, expressed excitement at the discovery, highlighting the delicate appearance of the creature, which he likened to a 'glass sculpture.'
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have captured the first-ever footage of a colossal squid in its natural habitat, providing valuable insights into this elusive species.
This remarkable sighting occurred during a 35-day Ocean Census expedition, a collaboration involving the Schmidt Ocean Institute, Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth, alongside several prominent research institutions.
The juvenile squid, identified as Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, measured 30 centimeters (11.8 inches) long and was distinguished by the unique hooks on its arms.
This baby colossal squid dive was livestreamed, allowing global audiences and citizen scientists to witness the discovery in real-time, promoting engagement in deep-sea exploration.
Deep-sea exploration is becoming more accessible to the public, allowing people to witness live discoveries and understand the importance of the ocean in biodiversity and ecosystem health.
Regular deep-sea explorations reveal unprecedented footage and discoveries, underscoring the need to understand and protect deep-sea biodiversity as industrial activities increase.
Research indicates that marine invertebrates, like the colossal squid, have potential for developing novel medicines, including antibiotics and anti-cancer substances.
As of 2025, only one-fifth of the ocean floor has been mapped, emphasizing the vast unknowns that still exist in Earth's oceans.
The sighting was officially announced on April 15, 2025, by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, marking a significant milestone in deep-sea research.
Summary based on 42 sources
Get a daily email with more Science stories
Sources

The Guardian • Apr 16, 2025
Live colossal squid captured on video in wild for first time ever
BBC News • Apr 16, 2025
Colossal squid filmed by scientists for first time in ocean
Forbes • Apr 16, 2025
Colossal Squid Finally Captured On Film, 100 Years After Its Discovery
Mashable • Apr 15, 2025
Deep sea craft filmed unprecedented footage of a colossal squid