Marine scientists captured the first-ever live footage of a giant or colossal squid in its natural deep-sea habitat off Western Australia [1, 2].
This discovery provides a rare glimpse into one of the ocean's most mysterious predators, offering critical data on a species that has long evaded visual confirmation due to its extreme environment.
A team led by Dr. Georgia Nester of Curtin University used a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) to locate the creature in May 2024 [1, 2]. The animal was recorded in a steep-walled submarine canyon at a depth of approximately 600 meters [1, 3].
"It's the first time we've ever seen a live giant squid in its natural habitat," Nester said [1].
Researchers utilized new ROV technology and low-light cameras to overcome the challenges of the deep sea. These tools allowed the team to observe the animal without startling it, as the species is known for its light-sensitive behavior [1, 2].
Reports on the animal's identity vary between a giant squid and a colossal squid [1, 2]. Some accounts describe the creature as an adult giant squid, while others suggest it was a baby colossal squid with an estimated total length of about four meters [2].
"Finding evidence of a giant squid really captures people's imagination," the Curtin University research team said [1].
Another member of the research team said that the group finally captured the elusive creature after decades of searching [2]. The sighting is particularly significant given the difficulty of accessing such depths, an achievement that marks a major milestone in marine zoology [1, 2].
“"It's the first time we've ever seen a live giant squid in its natural habitat."”
The use of low-light ROV technology represents a shift in deep-sea exploration, moving from opportunistic discovery to targeted observation. By successfully filming a specimen in situ, scientists can now study the behavioral patterns and movement of giant cephalopods without the distortions caused by bringing dead or stressed animals to the surface.
