Colossal Squid First Sighting Juvenile Filmed by Schmidt Ocean Institute

 

 

Colossal Squid Juvenile Captured on Film: A Century-Long Wait Ends!

A monumental discovery has surfaced from the depths of the South Atlantic: the first-ever footage of a live juvenile colossal squid ( Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni )! This incredible event, a century in the making, unfolded during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition aboard the R/V Falkor (too) near the South Sandwich Islands. Imagine, a creature of myth and legend, finally revealed!

A Deep-Sea Surprise

The remarkable encounter occurred at a depth of 600 meters (1968 feet) thanks to the Institute's remotely operated vehicle (ROV), SuBastian . This 30-centimeter (nearly one-foot) juvenile, ghostly and translucent, offered a breathtaking glimpse into the early life of this enigmatic cephalopod. Who could have predicted such a find?! This year marks the 100th anniversary of the colossal squid's formal identification—what a way to celebrate!

Ocean Census Triumph: Collaborative Discovery

This momentous sighting was part of an Ocean Census flagship expedition, a joint venture between Schmidt Ocean Institute, the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, and GoSouth (a collaboration between the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, and the British Antarctic Survey). Talk about teamwork! This powerful partnership underscores the importance of collaborative research in unraveling the ocean’s mysteries. What a magnificent achievement!

Confirmation from the Experts: Unmistakably Colossal

Leading experts in the field, Dr. Kat Bolstad of Auckland University of Technology and Dr. Aaron Evans, were consulted to verify the footage. Their confirmation sent ripples of excitement through the scientific community! The presence of signature hooks on the arms, a key characteristic of M. hamiltoni , cemented the identification. It’s truly a remarkable find, wouldn’t you agree?

Glacial Glass Squid: Another First for Falkor (too) !

The colossal squid wasn't the only cephalopod star of the show! Just weeks earlier, during a January expedition to the Southern Ocean near Antarctica, the R/V Falkor (too) captured another incredible first: footage of a live glacial glass squid ( Galiteuthis glacialis )! It seems the Falkor (too) has a knack for finding these elusive creatures. What luck!

A Ghostly Ballet in Antarctic Waters

The G. glacialis sighting occurred at a depth of 687 meters (2254 feet) in the Bellingshausen Sea. The footage reveals the transparent squid striking a distinctive "cockatoo pose," with its arms held loosely above its head. An ethereal ballet in the icy depths! This previously unseen behavior offers valuable insights into the species' unique adaptations. Isn't it fascinating?

Iceberg Calving and Unexpected Discoveries: Science in Action

The January expedition’s primary focus was examining the seafloor after a massive iceberg calving event. However, the unexpected encounter with G. glacialis highlights the serendipitous nature of scientific exploration. Sometimes, the greatest discoveries are the ones we least expect! It just goes to show, the ocean is full of surprises, isn't it?!

A Legacy of Deep-Sea Discoveries: Schmidt Ocean Institute's Continued Success

These consecutive first sightings underscore Schmidt Ocean Institute's ongoing commitment to exploring the uncharted territories of our ocean. The R/V Falkor (too) , equipped with cutting-edge technology like the ROV SuBastian , has become a pivotal platform for deep-sea discovery. Can you believe it?!

Expanding Our Understanding of Cephalopod Diversity

The footage of the juvenile colossal squid and glacial glass squid provides invaluable data on these rarely observed species. It allows scientists to study their behavior, morphology, and ecological roles in their natural habitats. Learning about these fascinating creatures helps us better understand the intricate web of life in our oceans! It's truly inspiring!

A Glimpse into the Future of Ocean Exploration: Technology and Collaboration

The use of advanced ROV technology, combined with the collaborative efforts of international research teams, is transforming ocean exploration. These breakthroughs allow us to access remote and challenging environments, revealing the hidden wonders of the deep. What will we discover next?! The possibilities are endless!

The Ocean's Uncharted Territories: A Call to Exploration

These remarkable discoveries remind us how much we still have to learn about the ocean's depths. Vast, unexplored realms teeming with life await our discovery! Who knows what other enigmatic creatures lurk in the abyss?

Inspiring the Next Generation of Ocean Explorers: Sharing the Wonder

The incredible footage captured by Schmidt Ocean Institute isn't just for scientists. It's a powerful tool for education and outreach, inspiring the next generation of ocean explorers and stewards. Sharing the wonder of these discoveries fosters a deeper appreciation for the importance of ocean conservation. Let’s protect these incredible ecosystems for future generations!

Continuing the Quest: The Future of Ocean Research

The quest to understand our ocean is far from over. With continued dedication and advancements in technology, we can unlock even more secrets of the deep. The future of ocean research is bright, and full of potential for groundbreaking discoveries! Who's ready to join the adventure?!