Anthology of Deep-Sea Squids

This stunning footage of deep-sea squids comes from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), where researchers use remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to observe and record deep-sea animal behaviors.

About the Squids:

The squids featured in this video were filmed in Monterey Bay (except for the piglet squid, which was filmed in the Gulf of California) at depths ranging from 980 to 3,150 feet.

Black-eyed Squid

(Gonatus)

When feeding, the black-eyed squid assumes the "J" shape shown here (0:17). Extending the arms and tentacles below the animal, the squid fishes for its prey, including small fishes and shrimps.

Humboldt Squid

(Dosidicus gigas)

This squid is one of the largest found along the west coast. Here it's shown catching fish (0:25), approaching the ROV camera (0:33), inking (0:45) and in a "splayed-arm pose" which may be a defensive posture (0:53).

Swordtail Squid

(Chiroteuthis)

Swordtails are sometimes observed with their tentacles draped over their buoyant arms like fishing lures, as seen here (1:04). Also shown, a squid making itself appear larger by extending its arms (1:36), and a close-up view. (1:22).

Market Squid

(Doryteuthis opalescens)

One of the most abundant cephalopods along the central coast of California, market squid appear in Monterey Bay in the spring and fall in large schools to spawn (1:13).

Cockatoo Squid

(Galitheuthis)

Most squids squirt ink outside of their bodies, but the transparent cockatoo squid fills its internal cavity with ink as a form of camouflage (1:23). Here a squid is shown slowly releasing ink.