First-Ever Footage of Baby Colossal Squid Stuns Global Audiences During Live Dive

April 15, 2025
First-Ever Footage of Baby Colossal Squid Stuns Global Audiences During Live Dive
  • 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


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