Two Rare Magnapinna Squid Sightings Deep in Micronesian Waters

While exploring the waters of the Federated States of Micronesia, the ROV Little Hercules and deep-water tow sled Atalanta captured two separate sightings of magnapinna squid, one at 2,478 meters (8,129 feet) and another at 2,700 meters (8,858 feet).

The footage of these rare cephalopods was a welcome surprise to the crew of the E/V Nautilus, who documented their fascinating behavior in the ocean’s midnight zone, including one squid sink-fishing for food.

Our NA180 Corps of Exploration spotted not one but TWO more of these iconic cephalopods while exploring the waters of the Federated States of Micronesia with ROVs Little Hercules and Atalanta. Bigfin squid (genus Magnapinna) have been spotted in the wild fewer than 100 times, and thankfully, both of these individuals showed off for our deep-sea cameras.

A Previous Magnapinna Squid Sighting

Remarkably Rare Footage of a Bigfin Magnapinna Squid Walking the Ocean Floor Upon Their 13 Foot Tentacles
Lori Dorn
Lori Dorn

Lori is a Laughing Squid Contributing Editor based in New York City who has been writing blog posts for over a decade. She also enjoys making jewelry, playing guitar, taking photos and mixing craft cocktails.

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