A deep‑sea bigfin squid (Magnapinna sp.) was filmed about 3,277 metres beneath the surface off California, the first confirmed record in the northeastern Pacific and within Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. The roughly 1.25‑metre specimen was recorded by an ROV deployed from the R/V David Packard while researchers surveyed seamounts including Davidson Seamount (≈130 km southwest of Monterey). Scientists noted the rarity of bigfin encounters—only about 70 have been recorded before—and said the sighting highlights the rich, still largely unexplored biodiversity of deep seamount habitats.
Rare Deep‑Sea Bigfin Squid Filmed for First Time Off California, 3,277 m Down
Bizarre deep-sea squid captured on video for first time off California coast
Scientists aboard the research vessel R/V David Packard captured rare footage of a deep‑sea bigfin squid (Magnapinna sp.) about 3,277 metres (≈10,750 ft) below the surface, marking the first confirmed sighting of this species in the northeastern Pacific and inside the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Deepsea bigfin squid spotted off the California coast (MBARI)
The Sighting
The remotely operated vehicle (ROV) was surveying seamounts off the California coast when the unusual squid drifted into view. The animal hovered above the seabed, revealing the species' hallmark features: large paired fins, eight trailing arms and two disproportionately long tentacles. Researchers estimated the specimen measured roughly 1.25 metres (≈4.1 ft) from the top of the mantle to the tips of its arms.
Scientists were surveying the seafloor near Davidson Seamount when they caught a fleeting glimpse of a bigfin squid (Olívia Soares Pereira/MBARI)
Who Saw It
"I was sitting right next to the screens in the control room when I saw what looked like tentacles coming into the top corner of the video... as soon as the little 'elbows' appeared, I knew exactly who this was and immediately screamed 'Magnapinna!'" — Olívia Soares Pereira, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI).
"I was focused on the seafloor and all of a sudden an elegant creature with undulating, angel‑like 'wings' swam into my view. I was stunned." — Andrew DeVogelaere, Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Expedition Context
The dive was part of a broader effort to map and study underwater mountains called seamounts, which can deflect currents and concentrate nutrients to create rich habitats. The team was specifically surveying Davidson Seamount, about 130 kilometres (≈81 miles) southwest of Monterey, California — an area already known for deep‑sea coral gardens and a thriving octopus nursery. The scientists were also investigating mysterious furrows in the muddy seafloor to determine whether beaked whales had made them.
Significance
Bigfin squids are rarely seen: scientists have observed or collected only about 70 specimens previously. This sighting adds important visual data for an enigmatic deep‑sea animal and underscores how much remains to be discovered in the ocean's depths. Researchers say each encounter highlights the biodiversity of deep seamount habitats and the need to protect these largely unexplored ecosystems.
Notes
Footage and observations were reported by MBARI and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Estimated measurements are based on visual assessment from the ROV footage.
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