Historical Footage Records Initial Filming of Giant Antarctic Squid
The initial documented sighting of the squid Gonatus antarcticus alive, observed by researchers during the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expedition in the Southern Ocean. (Photo: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute)
Given their environment, deep-sea organisms are among the most hard-to-find creatures on Earth. Thus, the astonishment of researchers when they encountered a colossal Antarctic squid during their expedition in the Southern Ocean is understandable. On the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expedition, researchers discovered the Gonatus antarcticus squid, representing the first occurrence of the species being seen alive.
These enormous squid can reach lengths of up to 3 feet and were previously recognized only through fishermen finding them deceased inside the stomachs of larger predators. However, on Christmas Day in 2024, the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, the R/V Falkor, documented one using the research vessel’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV), SuBastian. Located at a depth of just above 7,000 feet in the Weddell Sea, this remarkable finding highlights the extensive exploration still required in our oceans.
To verify the sighting, the crew shared the footage with Dr. Kathrin Bolstad, the head of the Auckland University of Technology’s Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics. She confirmed the species due to a particular distinguishing characteristic. “At the ends of the two long tentacles, there is a single, very large hook,” she explains.
Although researchers couldn’t ascertain the squid’s sex or age, its coloration and the state of its mantle indicate that it is healthy. The footage will feature in an upcoming National Geographic documentary, but for the present, you can view the video and find out more about the discovery on National Geographic’s website.
Researchers on a NatGeo Expedition have captured on film a giant Antarctic squid, marking the inaugural instance of the deep-sea creature being observed alive.
Photo: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
Photo: ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
All images courtesy of National Geographic.
Source: We have never observed this rare squid alive in its natural habitat—until now
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