Researchers have documented the first confirmed sighting of a rare bigfin squid in the northeast Pacific Ocean, a remarkable encounter occurring at a depth of two miles. The elusive creature, known for its unusual "elbowed" arms, was observed and filmed by an underwater vehicle operated by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
The sighting occurred on August 7 during a 10-day research expedition focused on studying underwater mountains, specifically the Davidson Seamount located southwest of Monterey. While the primary objective was to investigate potential whale feeding patterns by examining sediment, the deep-sea submersible unexpectedly encountered the Magnapinna squid. Postdoctoral researcher Olívia Soares Pereira initially mistook the creature for a jellyfish before recognizing its distinctive features.
The bigfin squid is one of the ocean's most mysterious inhabitants, with only approximately 70 observed or collected specimens globally since its discovery. Little is known about its diet, hunting methods, or reproductive behaviors. The recent observation marks a significant addition to the limited data available on this species, particularly in this region.
Andrew DeVogelaere, a senior researcher on the expedition, expressed his astonishment at the sighting. "I was just kind of mesmerized looking at it," he stated. The captured video footage reveals a pale body with long, trailing appendages that undulate gracefully, highlighting the creature's unique morphology. For the research team, the encounter served as a potent reminder of the vast unexplored mysteries of the deep ocean.
The expedition also involved collecting water samples for environmental DNA analysis and deploying hydrophones to record underwater sounds. These efforts aim to identify whale species and better understand their behavior in the seamount's ecosystem. Pereira, who has now seen three bigfin squids across different expeditions, described her fascination with deep-sea life and the profound luck involved in witnessing such a rare animal.
