Rare Blood-Red Squid Video – Antarctica Deep Sea
- In a historic moment for marine biology, the elusive Antarctic gonate squid has been filmed alive in its natural habitat.
- The squid, measuring approximately 3 feet long, was spotted at a depth of 7,060 feet (2,152 meters) in the ocean's midnight zone off Antarctica.
- Kat bolstad, head of the Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, confirmed the species identification after reviewing the footage.
witness history! Scientists captured the frist-ever live footage of the elusive Antarctic gonate squid, a rare blood-red squid, deep in the ocean off Antarctica. Observed at a staggering 7,060 feet, this amazing discovery reveals the mysterious life of a creature previously known only through dead specimens. A remotely operated vehicle (ROV) recorded the stunning video of the squid,wich measures about three feet long,as it released a cloud of ink when approached. This marks a significant leap in our understanding of marine life in the unexplored depths. News Directory 3 is eager to share this groundbreaking news. Discover what’s next as researchers delve deeper into the behavior and ecology of this remarkable species!
Elusive Antarctic Squid Filmed Alive for the First Time
Updated June 10, 2025
In a historic moment for marine biology, the elusive Antarctic gonate squid has been filmed alive in its natural habitat. National Geographic reports that researchers captured the first-ever live footage of this deep-sea creature on Dec. 25, 2024.
The squid, measuring approximately 3 feet long, was spotted at a depth of 7,060 feet (2,152 meters) in the ocean’s midnight zone off Antarctica. The observation was made possible by a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) deployed from the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel, the R/V Falkor (too).
Kat bolstad, head of the Lab for Cephalopod Ecology and Systematics at Auckland University of Technology in New Zealand, confirmed the species identification after reviewing the footage.
“This is, to the best of my knowledge, the first live footage of this animal worldwide,” Bolstad told National Geographic.
While scientists have known about the Antarctic gonate squid for over a century, previous encounters were limited to dead specimens found in fishing nets or preserved in the stomachs of predators. This recent sighting marks the first time the squid has been observed alive and undisturbed in its deep-sea surroundings.
The midnight zone, where the squid was found, is characterized by perpetual darkness, with the only light source being bioluminescence produced by marine organisms, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA).
Researchers noted that the Antarctic gonate squid released a cloud of greenish ink when the ROV approached, likely startled by the unfamiliar presence. The team briefly followed the squid,using lasers to estimate its size,before it disappeared into the darkness.
Bolstad identified the squid as an Antarctic gonate squid based on the presence of a single, large hook on the ends of its longer tentacles.
“The impressive tentacle hooks are probably used for grasping and subduing prey during ambush predation,” said Alex Hayward,a senior lecturer in ecology and conservation at the University of Exeter in England,who was not involved in the expedition.
What’s next
Further research and exploration are planned to study the behavior and ecology of the Antarctic gonate squid and other deep-sea creatures in their natural habitat.