WWW.FRONTPAGEDETECTIVES.COM / LATEST NEWS

Scientists ‘Mesmerized’ to See a Colossal Squid Alive in Its Natural Environment for the First Time Ever

A huge squid, identified a century ago, remains a mystery for scientists due to the lack of specimens in their natural environment.

BY SOMDATTA MAITY

PUBLISHED 6 DAYS AGO

Caribbean Reef Squid Sepioteuthis sepioidea, Bari Reef, Bonaire, BES Islands. (Representative Cover Image Source: Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Betty Wills)

Experts are always on the lookout for unknown species to understand more about the several ecosystems in play around the world. Sometimes, many of these species live in such remote habitats that it becomes difficult for experts to observe them frequently or find them in their domain. However, experts from the University of Essex were able to photograph a unique invertebrate in its habitat for the first time, stated ABC News.

Colossal squid head and limbs, Natural History Museum, London (Cover Image Source: Wikimedia Commons/Photo by Mgiganteus1) — Colossal squid head and limbs, Natural History Museum, London (Image Source: Wikimedia Commons | Photo by Mgiganteus1)

During a 35-day expedition on the waters off the South Sandwich Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, the researchers captured a video of a colossal squid. The expedition's main aim was to identify new marine life in this region. The colossal squid, also known as Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, identified and named around a century ago, was sighted on March 9, stated the researchers.

The expedition took place around 1,100 feet below the ocean, and the colossal squid was observed by experts through a remotely operated vehicle. Experts determined the squid was around one foot long and was translucent. The sighting has been considered valuable for experts because, before this instance, researchers had never detected a colossal squid in its natural environment. In the past, these beings were studied by scientists after they were caught and brought to the surface by fishermen.

The colossal squid was determined to be a juvenile by an expert who was looking at the live stream. The same experts brought the creature to the attention of scientists by identifying it correctly. Since there was no expert on board, the team had no idea about the squid moving around their vehicle. "When we first watched it live, it was so beautiful, so we were already quite mesmerized by this stunning little squid. Then to find out that it was something so special, that was a real beautiful moment," Michelle Taylor, the expedition's chief scientist and professor at the University of Essex, shared.

The discovery was more special as it happened on the 100th anniversary of its identification, stated BBC. The footage was later verified by Dr. Kat Bolstad, to determine if the squid in the video was actually Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni. This squid was determined as a juvenile because of its translucent appearance, which typically goes away in these creatures after they grow up.

The team is hopeful that the footage will allow experts to know more about the invertebrate. Since the past specimens of this creature had been dead or were on the surface far away from their habitat, a lot about their life processes remains mysterious. As per the available information, colossal squid can grow to a length of 23 feet and weigh around 1,100 pounds. The average weight makes the squid stand apart from others of its kind, making them 'the heaviest invertebrate on the planet.' Another noteworthy aspect of the creature is the hooks on the middle of its eight arms, as per the experts.