top of page

A Living Colossal Squid!

  • Writer: José H. Leal
    José H. Leal
  • May 2
  • 1 min read

Updated: May 5

Social media has been abuzz with the recent first-time confirmed observation and filming of a Colossal Squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) at 600 m (about 1,970 feet) depth off the South Sandwich Islands, in the Southern Ocean. The observation and video were made last March 9 by scientists working aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel Falkor.


The juvenile Colossal Squid. ©Schmidt Ocean Institute
The juvenile Colossal Squid. ©Schmidt Ocean Institute

The individual squid in the video clip is a juvenile measuring only 30 cm (about 12 inches), but Colossal Squids may reach 7 meters (about 23 feet) in length and weigh as much as 500 kilograms (about 1,100 pounds). The species is restricted to the very cold waters of the Southern Ocean (the large body of water around Antarctica). Incidentally, the depth distribution of the species seems to correlate with age; young Colossal Squids are found closer to the ocean’s surface and adult individuals live in deeper waters. Check out the video here


A Colossal Squid captured in 2007. ©National Geographic
A Colossal Squid captured in 2007. ©National Geographic

 
 
 

6 comentarios


nytwordlehints
2 days ago

This piece provides a fresh and compelling take on the subject. Your article kept me engaged from start to finish. whopper clicker

Me gusta

Dordle Luka
Dordle Luka
5 days ago

Are you ready to stretch your brain? redactle awaits you. In infinite word games, you can put your vocabulary to the test and compete against your friends. Join the fun now!

Me gusta

luxi
6 days ago
Me gusta

John Henry
John Henry
06 may

Really surprised with the mystery. That is why capybara clicker is most sought after.

Me gusta

frequent168
05 may

Amazing footage! Imagine navigating the depths like that colossal squid, it's almost like a real-life Snow Rider game, dodging obstacles in the deep blue sea. The sheer size these creatures can reach is mind-blowing. A glimpse into a world far removed from our own. The Southern Ocean holds so many secrets!


Me gusta
bottom of page