Colossal squid is seen live in the deep sea for the first time EVER - as baffled scientists spot the elusive creature in the South Atlantic Ocean READ MORE: Terrifying 'doomsday' fish found on beach in Canary Islands By JONATHAN CHADWICK FOR MAILONLINE Published: 11:14, 16 April 2025 | Updated: 11:17, 16 April 2025 e-mail View comments One of nature's mightiest beasts has never before been documented in its natural environment – until now. Scientists have captured the first ever footage of a live colossal squid – the largest invertebrate on the planet. The stunning 4K video film, captured in the deep sea by California 's Schmidt Ocean Institute, shows the rare creature's transparent body and eight pink tentacles.
Colossal squid can grow up to 23 feet (7 metres) and weigh as much as 500kg, making them the heaviest invertebrate on the planet. But this specimen, which looks like a delicate glass sculpture, is just a 'teenager' – measuring 11 inches (30cm). Dying colossal squid adults have previously been filmed by fishermen, but the species has never been seen alive at depth before.
Expedition chief scientist, Dr Michelle Taylor at the University of Essex, called the footage 'stunning' and 'beautiful'. 'The squid is a teenager and none have ever been filmed alive before in their natural habitat, juvenile or adult,' she told MailOnline. This is the first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat The species can reac.
_updates.jpg)
