‘Rarely seen’ deep-sea creature with ‘long, sticky tentacles’ caught on camera. See it
A team of scientists lowered their baited camera into the depths of the Pacific Ocean, hoping to catch a glimpse of the wildlife inhabiting the underwater mountain rising from the ocean’s depths.
That’s when a bright orange creature drifted past the camera.
It was likely a “rarely seen” whip-lash squid, known as Mastigopsis hjorti, according to a Jan. 16 Facebook post from the Schmidt Ocean Institute.
“Whip-lash squid are named for their two long, sticky tentacles. They feed by extending their tentacles while drifting along with currents,” the institute said.
A video shows the long creature with tentacles and large eyes floating through the water and excreting a cloud of greenish-yellow ink.
“Note the abstract shapes made by the squid inking: Squids are known to make ’pseudomorphs’ — forms made of ink and mucus that are made to confuse predators,” according to the institute.
The squid was spotted more than 3,600 feet underwater.
The institute is currently facilitating an exploration of seamounts, or underwater mountains, in the southeast Pacific Ocean, according to the institute’s website. Scientists are using various pieces of equipment including underwater vehicles and cameras to examine the underwater summits.
This story was originally published January 19, 2024 at 11:10 AM with the headline "‘Rarely seen’ deep-sea creature with ‘long, sticky tentacles’ caught on camera. See it."
