Colossal Baby Squid Makes Its First On-Camera Appearance in the Deep Atlantic

Deep in the Atlantic Ocean, just off the wild and chilly coast of the South Sandwich Islands, researchers have captured something truly extraordinary on camera for the first time—a baby colossal squid.

During a search for new marine life, the team from the Schmidt Ocean Institute made the rare find, confirming it to be a juvenile colossal squid. This elusive squid, stretching about a foot in length, was spotted at a depth of 1,968 feet. Not exactly a backyard pool sighting.

The colossal squid, scientifically known as Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, holds the title of the largest invertebrate on Earth. When fully grown, these creatures can reach up to 23 feet long—basically, the size of your local fire truck, but way more mysterious and with a lot more tentacles.

On top of its size, this squid boasts the largest eyes of any animal, even out-sizing those of the mighty great whales. You’d think nature was giving them a head start in a staring contest.

Oceana has pointed out that this species is "likely naturally rare," making this sighting a genuinely special event for the scientific community.

Kat Bolstad, a squid researcher from Auckland University of Technology, helped confirm the squid’s identity. "I really love that we have seen a young colossal squid first. This animal is so beautiful," Bolstad said, clearly smitten with her translucent new discovery.

For now, researchers are experimenting with different cameras, hoping to catch an adult colossal squid on film next. It’s like a real-life monster movie, but with much more science and a lot less popcorn.

This baby squid, with its thin arms and nearly transparent body, is expected to lose its glassy looks and morph into a deep red or purple hue as it matures. So, even in the squid world, the awkward phase is temporary.