Researchers made a significant breakthrough by capturing the first-ever video footage of the Gonatus antarcticus squid, a rare deep-sea species. National Geographic reported the historic event on June 10, revealing that the sighting occurred on Christmas Day while aboard the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, R/V Falkor (too). The squid, measuring about three feet in length, was filmed using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian in the Southern Ocean.
Unexpectedly, the research team, including postdoctoral researcher Manuel Novillo from Argentina’s Instituto de Diversidad y Ecología Animal, was not supposed to be in the area due to adverse weather conditions and ice, which forced them to adjust their site to the Powell Basin, approximately 9,800 feet deep. While monitoring the live feed from SuBastian at about 7,000 feet, Novillo spotted a shadow that piqued his curiosity. He requested a closer look, leading to the surprising sighting of the squid.
Historically, Gonatus antarcticus has only been identified through carcasses found in fishing nets or as beaks in the stomachs of predators. The squid has distinctive red and bluish coloring, with large hooks on its tentacles, and is native to the cold waters surrounding Antarctica. The footage indicated that the squid might have recently evaded a predator, as it released a greenish ink cloud and showed signs of scratches on its arms.
During the expedition, the team also mapped uncharted areas of the Southern Ocean and collected various environmental samples, contributing to research on climate change and marine protection in this critically important ecosystem.
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
