The Dana octopus squid(Taningia danae) is one of the largest squids in the ocean. It can grow more than 7.5 feet long and weigh over 350 pounds. Regardless of being so huge, scientists rarely observe this species in its natural environment. Current footage reveals this deep-sea squid assaulting a video camera almost a mile below the surface area.
Scientists from The University of Western Australia (UWA) and Kelpie Geosciences got a surprise while examining video from a free-fall baited electronic camera north of the Samoan Passage in the Pacific Ocean. As the electronic camera was dropping to the seafloor at about 2 MPH, a Dana octopus squid attacked it, recording some truly rare video.
“As we were examining the video, we realized we had recorded something very unusual,” stated chief researcher Heather Stewart from Kelpie Geosciences U.K. and an adjunct at UWA.
In the video footage, the squid approaches the cam, spreads its arms wide and envelops it. You can see the squid’s large photophores (organs that produce bioluminescent light) flashing brilliantly. According to UWA, the Dana octopus squid has the biggest known photophores in the natural world.
“The squid, which was about 75cm [2.5 feet] long, descended on our video camera assuming it was victim, and tried to stun it with is substantial bioluminescent headlights,” Stewart told UWA. After realizing the devices wasn’t food, the squid released the electronic camera and proceeded.
See a deep-sea squid attack a video camera here:
Researchers state most previous observations and records of this squid are from strandings, unexpected bycatch, or from the stomach contents of whales. Therefore, being able to observe a live Dana octopus squid in the wild– specifically one on the attack– is exciting.
Current video footage of among the biggest squids in the ocean has researchers thrilled. It’s uncommon to see these deep-sea predators.