Science

Check out the unique footage of a “teenager” nobody had ever seen before: “I was hyperventilating”

Scientists have seen this remarkable animal for the first time, despite knowing about it for 100 years.

Update: Apr 18th, 2025 18:40 EDT

It may only be a ‘teenager’ but footage of it left researcher Dr. Aaron Evans, “hyperventilating.” That’s because the video is of a juvenile colossal squid, a marine creature which had never been filmed before in its natural environment, despite being identified and named over 100 years ago.

The video of Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni was taken near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean by a remotely operated submarine. It shows the squid swimming at a depth of 1,968 feet. The submarine was operated by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Dr Aaron Evans, an expert in glass squid, the family of which the colossal squid is a member, helped independently verify the invertebrate.

“We could think of this maybe as a teenager squid,” Evans said during a news conference. “It’s not quite an adult. It hasn’t fully matured yet. It’s still got a lot of growing to do. But it’s not a baby either. So, it’s a very exciting specimen for us to examine. For us to see this kind of midrange size in between a hatchling and an adult is really exciting because it gives us the opportunity to fill in some of those missing puzzle pieces to the life history of this very mysterious animal.”

They were originally discovered, in 1925, from remains found in the stomach of a sperm whale. The species was named after E. Hamilton who made the initial discovery.

Before this video, complete colossal squid had only been seen through captured specimens, usually being brought up by accident on fishing lines. To date only 12 complete colossal squids have been recovered and only six of them have been adults.

Marine biologist Dr Kat Bolstad, speaking alongside Evans, highlighted the significance of the rare encounter, noting that until now, knowledge of the species had been based almost entirely on remains found inside the stomachs of predators such as whales and seabirds. “Seeing the first in-situ images of a juvenile colossal squid is thrilling, and it’s humbling to think they have no idea we even exist,” Bolstad remarked.

How big do colossal squid get?

Colossal squid are thought to grow up to 23 feet long and weigh up to 1,110 pounds, making them the heaviest invertebrates on the planet. The ‘teenager’ that was filmed clocked in at just 1 foot long. They also have the largest eyes documented in the animal kingdom at 12 to 16 inches in diameter.

The colossal squid is not the same as the giant squid, which is found in a number of areas around the world, while the colossal squid is found only near the Antarctic.

The giant squid is longer than the colossal squid, growing up to 43 feet long, but they are much lighter, due to the fact most of their size is due to their tentacles. The maximum weight of the giant squid is estimated at just over 600 pounds.

Unlocking the secrets of the colossal squid: Why identifying this elusive giant has been so difficult

One of the biggest challenges in studying the colossal squid lies in how specimens are typically discovered—often as damaged adult remains, degraded by harsh ocean conditions or predators. These fragmented samples complicate laboratory analysis, leaving many questions about the species unanswered.

Matt Mulrennan, of Kolossal, believes previous low-quality footage may have unintentionally captured colossal squid specimens, reinforcing the idea that the ocean remains vastly unexplored. The recent consecutive sightings of these creatures highlight the richness of deep-sea biodiversity and the potential for new discoveries.

A defining feature of the colossal squid is its hooked arms, which play a crucial role in its hunting strategy—setting it apart from other cephalopods. Scientists hope that these fresh observations will provide valuable insight into the creature’s behavior, physiology, and ecological role in the depths of the ocean.

Huge advances in ocean exploration

The ability to livestream images from the ocean’s depths underscores remarkable advancements in technology and scientific collaboration, as noted by Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute. “The first sighting of two different squid species on consecutive expeditions is extraordinary and highlights how little we truly know about the magnificent ecosystem of the Southern Ocean,” Virmani emphasized.

Despite Schmidt Ocean Institute capturing footage of at least four previously unrecorded squid species since 2020, researchers continue to face challenges in observing fully grown specimens in their natural habitat.

Squid expert Steve O’Shea, cited by New Scientist, describes the colossal squid as both fascinating and paradoxical. While historically perceived as deep-sea predators with sinister reputations, recent studies suggest they have more passive behaviors, drifting near the ocean floor rather than actively hunting.

The colossal squid: a century of mystery still unfolding

Despite recent breakthroughs, the life cycle of the colossal squid remains largely unknown. Scientists had already determined that juveniles possess translucent bodies—a trait that fades as they mature—but beyond this, many aspects of their development remain a mystery.

Adding to the uncertainty, researchers struggle to estimate the species’ population density due to the scarcity of direct observations. As the Natural History Museum, cited by BBC, has pointed out, the lack of sightings means the colossal squid remains wrapped in a blend of myth and reality, even a century after its formal discovery.