Bigfin squid filmed for the first time off California coast

Researchers have captured the first-ever footage of a bigfin squid (Magnapinna sp) in the northeastern Pacific Ocean. The sighting occurred approximately 3,277 meters below the surface near the Davidson Seamount, located about 130km southwest of Monterey, California.

Scientists aboard the research vessel David Packard used a remotely operated vehicle to survey the seafloor as part of an expedition to study underwater mountains, or seamounts. The squid, estimated to be about 1.25 meters long from the top of its body to the ends of its arms, was observed hovering above the seafloor with its distinctive large fins, eight trailing arms, and two tentacles.

The expedition aimed to understand how seamounts support marine life by concentrating nutrients and to investigate whether certain seafloor furrows were created by beaked whales.