History of Colossal squid in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 17, 2025

The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is a large squid species belonging to the Cranchiidae family. Also known as the Antarctic cranch squid or giant squid, it's considered the largest squid species by mass. It is the sole member of its genus and inhabits the Antarctic region.

1924: Discovery of arm crowns in sperm whale stomach

In the winter of 1924–1925, two arm crowns of a colossal squid were found in the stomach of a sperm whale.

1925: Colossal squid formally described

In 1925, the colossal squid, species Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, was formally described by Guy Coburn Robson. The species belongs to the class Cephalopoda and family Cranchiidae.

1981: Immature female colossal squid caught in Ross Sea

In 1981, a Soviet Russian trawler caught a large squid in the Ross Sea, identified as an immature female of M. hamiltoni, with a total length of over 4 meters.

1981: Adult colossal squid specimen discovered

In 1981, an adult colossal squid specimen was discovered.

2003: Subadult female colossal squid found

In 2003, a complete specimen of a subadult female colossal squid was found near the surface, measuring 6 meters in total length.

2003: Second colossal squid specimen collected

In 2003, a second colossal squid specimen was collected.

2005: First living colossal squid captured

In 2005, the first full living colossal squid was captured at a depth of 1,625 meters off South Georgia Island. The squid's mantle was estimated at over 2.5 meters, and it weighed between 150 and 200 kg.

February 2007: Largest recorded colossal squid captured

In February 2007, a New Zealand fishing boat captured the largest recorded colossal squid, a female, in the Ross Sea off Antarctica. The squid was close to death and taken to New Zealand for study, estimated at 10 meters and 450 kg.

2007: Largest colossal squid captured

In 2007, the largest colossal squid, weighing 495 kilograms (1,091 lb), was captured and is now on display at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

December 2008: Colossal squid specimen displayed at Museum of New Zealand

On 13 December 2008, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa began displaying the captured colossal squid specimen.

2011: Colossal squid diet study begins

Between 2011 and 2014, a study revealed that Antarctic toothfish are a significant part of the colossal squid's diet, as evidenced by 71 toothfish out of 8,000 showing clear signs of colossal squid attacks.

2014: Colossal squid diet study ends

2015: Colossal squid specimen records updated

As of 2015, only 12 complete colossal squid specimens had ever been recorded, with only half being full adults, the beak remnants being more commonly collected.

2018: Colossal squid exhibit temporarily closed

In 2018, the colossal squid exhibition at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa was closed.

2019: Colossal squid exhibit reopened

In 2019, the colossal squid exhibition at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa reopened after being closed since 2018.

2022: Expedition to film colossal squid in natural habitat

In 2022–23, scientists including KOLOSSAL attempted to film the colossal squid in its natural habitat for the first time, potentially filming a juvenile glass squid that requires DNA analysis to confirm if it is Galiteuthis glacialis or a new species.

March 2025: First filming of colossal squid in natural habitat

On 9 March 2025, the first definitive colossal squid was filmed in its natural environment, a juvenile measuring around 30 cm, by the Schmidt Ocean Institute's ROV SuBastian near the South Sandwich Islands.