Context:

On April 15, scientists aboard a research vessel in the South Atlantic released rare footage of a juvenile colossal squid. The squid, just a foot long, was recorded 2,000 feet below the ocean’s surface near the South Sandwich Islands. This sighting offers new insights into one of the ocean's most mysterious creatures.

About the Colossal Squid:

Despite their size, colossal squid are rarely seen due to their large, sensitive eyes that help them avoid bright and noisy research equipment. Because of this, scientists have limited knowledge of their diet, lifespan, or reproduction.

Most information comes from specimens found in the stomachs of predators like sperm whales or from dead juveniles caught in trawl nets. The species was first discovered in 1925 through arm fragments found in a sperm whale. Until this recent sighting, no live colossal squid had been seen in their natural habitat.

Size and Shape

Colossal and giant squid differ in appearance and size. Colossal squid have massive bodies but shorter arms and tentacles. They can grow up to seven metres (23 feet) and weigh about 500 kg. Giant squid, on the other hand, can reach up to 13 metres (43 feet) but typically weigh around 275 kg.

·        Their large size helps them avoid predators and catch a wider variety of prey. Fully grown, they are only hunted by sperm whales.

·        Their basketball-sized eyes help them detect threats in the deep ocean. These eyes are among the largest in the animal kingdom and are adapted for seeing in low-light conditions.

·        Unlike most squid species that grow quickly and die young, giant and colossal squid take years to mature. Giant squid may live between two and twelve years, but scientists do not yet agree on the lifespan of the colossal squid due to a lack of data.

About the Myth of Kraken:

The colossal squid is believed to be the inspiration behind the legendary Kraken, a sea monster feared by sailors during the Age of Sail. In Alfred Tennyson’s 1830 poem The Kraken, the creature is described as sleeping in the deep sea, hidden from sunlight. Though long considered myth, scientists now believe these stories were likely based on sightings of giant and colossal squid—two of the largest known invertebrates on Earth.

Conclusion:

The new footage of a mid-sized juvenile squid fills a crucial gap in understanding the species' life history and helps answer many questions about its development.

The sighting also highlights the need to protect deep-sea habitats, which face threats from human activities like deep-sea mining. Researchers say such discoveries can guide conservation efforts and inform sustainable ocean practices.