Terrifying: Giant squid spotted 700 metres deep in the ocean
A giant squid has been spotted in the U.S. for the first time, and the stunning footage shows us the shocking discovery.
The animal is estimated to be between 3 to 4 metres (10 to 12 feet) long and was recorded over 750 metres deep in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 160 kilometres from New Orleans. For comparison, the largest giant squid that has ever been recorded by scientists was nearly 13 metres (43 feet) long and could have weighed 907 kilograms (2,000 pounds).
CNN reports that this discovery comes as a result of a two-week research mission that was funded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Ocean Exploration and Research.
A technology called the Medusa is a special camera that is able to withstand the intense ocean pressure and had an electronic jellyfish lure that helps attract deep-sea animals.
There is currently little known about giant squids, largely because their habitat in the deep-sea is difficult to access, and researchers suggest the species could become extinct before their population can be counted.
Sources: NOAA | CNN | Smithsonian Institution
