Scientists have managed to capture a giant squid hunting down prey. The video, which is the subject of a new paper in Deep Sea Research Part 1: Oceanographic Research Papers, shows the giant squid’s prey experience before they were eaten. Brutal, I know. The question here now is, how did the researchers manage to get the hunting process on video? Well, they used bait platforms to lure large squids:
Of course, even a giant squid isn’t going to try to take down a full-sized whale and is likely more comfortable snatching smaller prey that they can handle with ease. With that in mind, the researchers used fake jellyfish with built-in lights that give them the appearance of a bioluminescent species of jelly that may be a tasty treat for large squid species.
The researchers got exactly what they wanted, capturing video footage of multiple squids attacking the bait. Some of the squids remain unidentified and could be new species not yet described, but at least one of the attacks came from the famed giant squid, Architeuthis dux.
The footage is incredible, and while these types of squid aren’t normally seen near the surface, it might still give you pause the next time you want to take a dip in the ocean. The good news is that, as far as we know, no human has ever been attacked by a giant squid. The smaller Humboldt squid, on the other hand? Well, you’ll want to stay out of their way.
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those things are huge
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