Scientists have announced that for the first time they managed to film a lively colossal squid in the depths of the Southern Ocean.
This is one of the most mysterious creatures of our planet, even greater than the giant squid known from legends and clashes with the sperm whales.
She lives in inaccessible depths near Antarctica, and her existence only learned her existence a hundred years ago. Until now, only dead individuals have been caught or finding their remains in the stomachs of whales and sea birds.
Now it was first registered in the natural environment. This recording is a breakthrough in research on this species. Although the colossal squid can reach a length of up to 7 I weigh over 500 kg, the individual captured in the film was less than 30 cm. It's a baby!
The recording was created on March 9 at a depth of about 600 m, thanks to the remote -controlled submarine Subastian, served from the deck of the Falkor research ship (TOO).
Giant squid
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Rov Subastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
The expedition lasted 35 days and took place near the islands of South Sandwich, as part of the international Ocean Cesus project, which aims to discover new forms of maritime life.
The research vessel raises a remote -controlled Ocean Subastian vehicle.
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Rov Subastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Rare squas observation. “I ran out of breath” A tiny colossal squid was noticed over 600 m under the surface of the ocean.
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Rov Subastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
The recording was verified by Dr. Kat Bolstad, a researcher of squid from the University of Technology in Auckland, who previously folded the skeleton of a dead square of a colossal fished by fishermen.
“This is one of the most exciting observations that happened in all my scientific achievements regarding deep cephalopods,” Bolstad said during the Tuesday press conference.
“This is a perfect example of how beautiful animals from the depths of the ocean can be,” she added.
Aaron Evans, an expert in this kind of animal, helped in identification. They both recognized the species immediately when they noticed the characteristic hooks in the middle of eight arms – a feature that distinguishes a colossal squid from other relatives.
“As soon as I saw these hooks, I literally lacked breath away,” Evans admitted.
A small squid giant
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Rov Subastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Although another expedition in 2023 also filmed a young creature resembling a colossal squid, scientists were not sure at the time. This time there is no doubt.
“You can see all the animal's features with extraordinary detail,” Bolstad emphasized.
Colossal squid also has other unique features: they are equipped with 360 degrees hooks on two longer tentacles that help them grab the victims. They also have the greatest eyes among all known animals – living and extinct – adapted to see in almost total darkness.
“In the recording you can see how the eyes shine,” Bolstad added.
Giant squid
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Rov Subastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Scientists suspect that these eyes are one of the reasons why the colossal squid are so elusive. Their huge pupils help them see underwater research vehicles before the cameras see them.
The article is a translation with American Business Insider edition.
