First confirmed live observation of the colossal squid
The video, taken by an international team of scientists and researchers on board the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, Falkor, shows the almost transparent juvenile, with eight arms, swimming in its natural habitat, the deep sea.
The juvenile squid, approximately 30 centimeters in length, was filmed on March 9, 2025, at a depth of 600 meters (1,968 feet) near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
This unprecedented observation was made possible by the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, which is capable of reaching depths up to 4,500 meters. The sighting coincides with the 100th anniversary of the species' formal identification.
Prior to this discovery, knowledge of the colossal squid was limited to dead specimens recovered from the stomachs of predators like whales or caught in fishing nets. This live footage provides invaluable insight into the early life stages of the world's largest known invertebrate, which can grow up to 7 meters (23 feet) in length and weigh as much as 500 kilograms (1,100 pounds).
The expedition was a collaborative effort involving the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and the GoSouth project, which includes the University of Plymouth (UK), GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research (Germany), and the British Antarctic Survey.
Dr. Kat Bolstad of Auckland University of Technology, who assisted in verifying the footage, remarked on the significance of the find, noting that it offers a rare glimpse into the life of a species that plays a crucial role in Antarctic food webs.
It’s exciting to see the first in situ footage of a juvenile colossal and humbling to think that they have no idea that humans exist.
Fact file
Schmidt Ocean Institute was established in 2009 by Eric and Wendy Schmidt to catalyze the discoveries needed to understand our ocean, sustain life, and ensure the health of our planet through the pursuit of impactful scientific research and intelligent observation, technological advancement, open sharing of information, and public engagement, all at the highest levels of international excellence. For more information, visit www.schmidtocean.org.
