WATCH: Rare giant squid with ‘headlight’ tentacles spotted attacking underwater camera!
Jun 1, 2024, 15:07 IST
There are few oceanic creatures that get marine biologists drooling excitedly at the mouth like the many species of extraordinary deep-sea squids. Despite countless underwater surveys, we still relish only about a dozen sightings of the Colossal and Bigfin squids, mainly due to their tendency to dwell in excruciatingly hard-to-reach depths of the ocean abyss. In fact, for the longest time, we only knew Colossals existed after one specimen’s remnants were discovered inside a sperm whale’s stomach!
However, in a remarkable encounter 1,000 metres beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface, researchers have captured exclusive footage of another of the most elusive squids we know: the Dana octopus squid, or Taningia danae. This event occurred near the Samoan Passage, a deep-water flow area north of Samoa, during a research cruise aimed at documenting the biodiversity of the hadal zone — the deepest part of the ocean.
The Dana octopus squid is a fascinating deep-sea creature known for its considerable size and unique biological features. Like the name suggests, this family of squid is characterised by their eight arms, akin to those of an octopus. Juvenile members possess two additional long, trailing tentacles, which they lose as they mature. Notably, the largest recorded individual of this species was a 7.5-foot-long (2.3 metres) female, according to a 2003 study. The specimen captured in the recent footage measures only about 2.5 feet.
The dramatic footage shows the squid emerging from the darkness, darting towards the camera, and enveloping it with its arms before quickly retreating. Just before making contact, the squid displays its bright, light-emitting organs, known as photophores, located at the tips of two of its arms. These photophores are the largest in the animal kingdom and emit light through a chemical reaction. Scientists speculate that these bioluminescent flashes are used to stun prey and communicate with other squids.
"As we were reviewing the footage, we realized we had captured something very rare," stated Heather Stewart, a marine geologist at the University of Western Australia (UWA). "I think we were very lucky to have witnessed this."
The photophores' flashes can be controlled by the squid through eyelid-like membranes, allowing them to change the pattern of the light bursts. Despite their impressive size and capabilities, live observations of T. danae are extremely rare. Most knowledge about this species comes from strandings, accidental bycatch, or from the stomach contents of whales. The first live sighting occurred around 19 years ago using a similar camera system, and only a few live sightings have been documented since.
"The rarity of live observations of these amazing animals makes every encounter valuable in gathering information on geographic locations, depth, and behaviour," noted Alan Jamieson, Director of UWA's Deep Sea Research Centre.
This extraordinary footage provides a rare glimpse into the behavior of the Dana octopus squid, adding to the limited knowledge of this enigmatic deep-sea dweller. As researchers continue to explore the depths of the ocean, each new discovery offers invaluable insights into the mysterious lives of the creatures inhabiting the hadal zone.
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However, in a remarkable encounter 1,000 metres beneath the Pacific Ocean's surface, researchers have captured exclusive footage of another of the most elusive squids we know: the Dana octopus squid, or Taningia danae. This event occurred near the Samoan Passage, a deep-water flow area north of Samoa, during a research cruise aimed at documenting the biodiversity of the hadal zone — the deepest part of the ocean.
The Dana octopus squid is a fascinating deep-sea creature known for its considerable size and unique biological features. Like the name suggests, this family of squid is characterised by their eight arms, akin to those of an octopus. Juvenile members possess two additional long, trailing tentacles, which they lose as they mature. Notably, the largest recorded individual of this species was a 7.5-foot-long (2.3 metres) female, according to a 2003 study. The specimen captured in the recent footage measures only about 2.5 feet.
The dramatic footage shows the squid emerging from the darkness, darting towards the camera, and enveloping it with its arms before quickly retreating. Just before making contact, the squid displays its bright, light-emitting organs, known as photophores, located at the tips of two of its arms. These photophores are the largest in the animal kingdom and emit light through a chemical reaction. Scientists speculate that these bioluminescent flashes are used to stun prey and communicate with other squids.
"As we were reviewing the footage, we realized we had captured something very rare," stated Heather Stewart, a marine geologist at the University of Western Australia (UWA). "I think we were very lucky to have witnessed this."
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The photophores' flashes can be controlled by the squid through eyelid-like membranes, allowing them to change the pattern of the light bursts. Despite their impressive size and capabilities, live observations of T. danae are extremely rare. Most knowledge about this species comes from strandings, accidental bycatch, or from the stomach contents of whales. The first live sighting occurred around 19 years ago using a similar camera system, and only a few live sightings have been documented since.
"The rarity of live observations of these amazing animals makes every encounter valuable in gathering information on geographic locations, depth, and behaviour," noted Alan Jamieson, Director of UWA's Deep Sea Research Centre.
This extraordinary footage provides a rare glimpse into the behavior of the Dana octopus squid, adding to the limited knowledge of this enigmatic deep-sea dweller. As researchers continue to explore the depths of the ocean, each new discovery offers invaluable insights into the mysterious lives of the creatures inhabiting the hadal zone.