Simran Joshi
A remarkable and rare sighting from the depths of the Tonga Trench has captured the world’s attention as footage reveals a young bigfin squid (Magnapinna) gracefully walking on its 13-foot-long tentacles, 10,800 feet below the surface. This elusive creature, which has only been spotted around 20 times in history, is known for its extraordinary appearance and its ability to maneuver in the deep ocean. The footage, recorded by an underwater rover from the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, offers a rare glimpse into one of the ocean’s most mysterious and least understood species.
Rare Bigfin Squid Captured on Camera
Footage from the depths of the Tonga Trench has recently unveiled an astonishing sight: a bigfin squid (Magnapinna) walking on its 13-foot-long tentacles at a staggering depth of 10,800 feet. This rare creature, with its elongated arms and unusual body shape, is one of the deepest-dwelling squid species known to science. Captured by an underwater rover deployed by the Minderoo-UWA Deep-Sea Research Centre, this is one of the few instances where a bigfin squid has been observed in its natural habitat. To date, only 20 such sightings have been documented, making this discovery a significant contribution to marine biology.
The squid’s most distinctive feature is its extraordinarily long fins, which stretch up to 90% of the length of its body. This unique anatomical adaptation allows the squid to maneuver through the deep ocean with ease. The largest recorded bigfin squid was more than 20 feet in length, but scientists believe they may grow even larger, potentially reaching up to 26 feet. Despite their size and unique appearance, bigfin squids are elusive, with sightings often occurring by accident rather than as a result of active search efforts.
Mysterious Feeding Behaviour and Deep-Sea Habitat
The behaviour and diet of the bigfin squid remain largely speculative due to their rare appearances and extreme habitat. Some scientists believe that the squid uses its long arms and tentacles to form a net-like structure, similar to a spiderweb, to capture small prey swimming by. This adaptation is likely crucial for survival in the depths of the ocean, where food sources are sparse and prey species are constantly moving. Additionally, the squid’s arms and tentacles are thought to bend at unique angles, possibly preventing them from tangling as they move through the water.
These deep-sea creatures are found at extreme depths, with the deepest recorded sighting of a bigfin squid occurring around 15,400 feet in the Kermadec Trench in the Pacific Ocean. Due to their habitat in the deepest parts of the ocean, bigfin squid remain a mystery to scientists, with few opportunities for study. The most recent discovery in the Tonga Trench, where a young squid was filmed, provides invaluable insight into their behaviour and adds to the growing understanding of these enigmatic deep-sea creatures.
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