Researchers from the National Geographic and Rolex Perpetual Planet Expedition captured the first-ever live footage of an Antarctic gonate squid (Gonatus antarcticus). The 3-foot-long, blood-red squid was filmed at a depth of 7,060 feet in the ocean's midnight zone using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). Previously, scientists only had access to dead specimens or beaks found in other animals' stomachs. The squid's identification was confirmed by cephalopod expert Kat Bolstad. The sighting represents a significant advancement in understanding this elusive deep-sea species.

Prepared by Olivia Bennett and reviewed by editorial team.