For the first time ever, the largest squid on the planet has been filmed alive in the Atlantic Ocean. Dubbed “colossal” by global media outlets, this remarkable creature is the heaviest invertebrate on Earth and was observed nearly a century after its initial discovery.
Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, known to grow up to seven meters in length and weigh approximately one ton, was sighted near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
Experts suggest that the squid captured in the footage is still in its youth, currently measuring only 30 centimeters long.
Colossal Squid Filmed Live in the Wild for the First Time
This significant footage was obtained by an international team of researchers and scientists working on a mission organized by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
As reported by The Guardian, the rare squid was documented by a camera mounted on the unmanned underwater vehicle SuBastian during a 35-day expedition aimed at uncovering new marine species.
Previously, this unique squid—characterized by its glass-like, translucent body in its younger stages—has only been found in the stomachs of whales and seabirds.
This species is easily recognized by the sharp hooks located at the ends of its tentacles.
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