After countless half-truths, myths, and out-and-out legends, we finally have wild video footage of one of the most bizarre creatures in the deep sea:
A colossal squid has been filmed in its natural environment for the first time since the species was discovered 100 years ago.
The 30cm-long (11.8in) juvenile was caught on camera at a depth of 600m (1,968ft), near the South Sandwich Islands in the south Atlantic Ocean.
Yes, it might be a foot-long juvenile — but it's still technically a colossal squid!
He's really a cute little fella!
Now, this little bugger isn't to be confused with the "giant squid." The giant and colossal squids are related, but still distinct from each other:
Sperm whales eat both kinds of squid, leading to epic battles that the "Wild Kratts" so helpfully illustrated for us:
Giant squid are very, very occasionally filmed, but the only thing ever filmed of an adult colossal squid is a carcass being hauled up out of the brine:
That means this most recent footage is historic indeed:
Dying adults have previously been filmed by people fishing, but have never been seen alive at depth.
You know what happens next, though...
P.S. Now check out our latest video, featuring Kirk Cameron 👇
