Sightings of the colossal squid, dead or alive, are extremely rare. The first confirmed live observation of the colossal squid, Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, in its natural habitat was captured in 2025 by a team on Schmidt Ocean Institute’s research vessel in waters off the South Sandwich Islands. However, scientists believe they exist in large numbers in the Antarctic deep sea. “There are places down there where toothfish fishers just don’t go any more, because their fish gets stolen by the colossal squid,” said Linley. So we’re trying to take a much more science-forward approach that’s still full of wonder, because the deep sea is amazing.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 07, 2026 20:33 UTC