In a scientific expedition that feels straight out of a documentary, researchers aboard the Falkor (too) vessel made a groundbreaking discovery in the icy depths of the Antarctic. After a massive iceberg, comparable to the size of Chicago, calved from the Antarctic Peninsula ice sheet, the team was eager to uncover the secrets hidden beneath.

With the help of their cutting-edge remotely operated vehicle (ROV) named SuBastian, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute plunged into the uncharted waters and uncovered a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. Coral reefs, sponges, elusive phantom jellies, icefish, colossal sea spiders, and enigmatic octopuses were just some of the mesmerizing creatures observed.

A Stunning Encounter with the Glacial Glass Squid

But the crown jewel of their findings was the first-ever video footage of the elusive glacial glass squid (Galiteuthis glacialis). This astonishing sighting occurred at a staggering depth of 687 meters (2,254 feet). As Dr. Thom Linley, a deep-sea expert observing the ROV's live feed, zeroed in on this transparent squid, it was further confirmed by Dr. Aaron Evans, a renowned glass squid specialist.

Captured in its natural habitat, the squid showcased a striking display — positioning its arms above its head in a posture reminiscent of the 'cockatoo pose' famously seen in similar species. This remarkable behavior adds a new layer of understanding to the behavior of these mysterious deep-sea dwellers.

What Sets the Glacial Glass Squid Apart?

Juvenile glacial glass squids are fascinatingly analogous to their colossal relatives, exhibiting translucent bodies and sharp hooks at the tips of their longer tentacles. However, they differ in an intriguing way: the colossal squid sports hooks along the mid-section of its eight arms, while the glass squid does not.

The ROV SuBastian has now made history, capturing the first verified footage of at least five unique squid species in their natural habitats, expanding our understanding of these enigmatic creatures in our oceans.

As we keep exploring the depths of our planet, who knows what other extraordinary lifeforms await discovery beneath the waves?