The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →The creature filmed after an Antarctic iceberg broke away was a glacial glass squid (Galiteuthis glacialis). Researchers recorded it alive at 687 meters (2,254 feet) in the Bellingshausen Sea during January 2025, while exploring seafloor exposed after iceberg A-84 calved from the George VI Ice Shelf. The footage is described as the first confirmed view of this species alive in its natural environment—not the discovery of a new species.
What was captured on camera?
The animal was a glacial glass squid, Galiteuthis glacialis, filmed by the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian during a Schmidt Ocean Institute expedition aboard the research vessel Falkor (too). The Nippon Foundation’s account places the observation at 687 meters (2,254 feet) in the Bellingshausen Sea. The expedition was surveying seafloor exposed after A-84 calved from the George VI Ice Shelf; The Nippon Foundation described the iceberg as Chicago-sized, a comparison rather than a precise measurement. The Nippon Foundation’s May 23, 2025 account calls the video the first confirmed footage of G. glacialis alive in its natural environment.
Why does the footage matter?
A species can be known to science without having been documented alive in its natural habitat. This footage fills that gap for the glacial glass squid: specialists could examine the animal’s appearance and posture in its Antarctic environment rather than rely only on other forms of evidence. It is not evidence that the squid is newly discovered, nor does it show that the iceberg’s calving caused the animal to appear. The reports establish the expedition’s setting, not a cause-and-effect link.
The precise recording day is reported inconsistently. The Nippon Foundation gives January 25, 2025, while The Daily Galaxy’s May 4, 2025 story gives January 20. The available accounts describe the same first confirmed footage, so the supported wording is that it was recorded in January 2025.
#1 Best Overall
- Explore the depths of the ocean and your imaginations as you experience this realistic squid stuffed animal.
- Bring joy to any child with these 22-inch plush toys that are easy to clean and surface washable.
- These giant stuffed animals are made with high-quality fabric, delivering a realistic design and detailed features.
- Brighten any room with this large plush squid, use it as a kids toy or a room decoration, allowing your child to play like a creature under the sea.
- Large stuffed animals make great gifts for kids, teens, and adults.
How experts identified the squid
According to Discover Wildlife’s account, deep-sea expert Dr. Thom Linley spotted the animal on the ROV feed, and Dr. Aaron Evans confirmed its identity. The Nippon Foundation says Evans and Dr. Kat Bolstad of Auckland University of Technology were consulted to verify the squid footage.
The imagery shows a transparent animal holding its arms loosely above its head, a posture compared with the “cockatoo pose” seen in other glass squids. Discover Wildlife also notes hooks at the tips of its two elongated tentacles. These observable details helped experts assess the footage; they do not make this squid a colossal squid.
Rank #2
- Compact Reversible Plushie: This 4-inch octopus plush flips between two expressive sides for quick, playful mood changes. Its small size makes it a fun companion for your desk, shelf, backpack, or travel bag.
- Delightfully Soft Companion: An ultra-soft, reversible plush with smooth flipping motions that make it fun to handle. Its expressive two-sided design offers a simple tactile experience for everyday play.
- Premium Materials for Collectors: Crafted with embroidered details, soft fabric, and durable stitching, our plush toys are safe for all ages, and easy to clean.
- Adorable Gift for Any Occasion: Our cute plushies make an ideal present for birthdays, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, baby showers, graduations, or as a thoughtful gesture to show you care.
- Original TeeTurtle Design: The TikTok viral reversible plushie sensation-collect every adorable color and character for all your moods. These plushies are ideal for collectors, fans, and anyone who enjoys a cozy, huggable companion.
Glacial glass squid vs. colossal squid
These are separate species, and their footage came from separate expeditions. Similarities such as transparency and hooks do not make them the same animal.
| Feature | Glacial glass squid | Colossal squid |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Galiteuthis glacialis | Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni |
| Hook placement described in the reporting | Tips of its two elongated tentacles | Along the middle of its eight arms |
| Footage discussed here | Filmed alive in the Bellingshausen Sea in January 2025 | Footage came from a separate expedition |
The species distinction and hook descriptions are reported by Discover Wildlife; the expedition context for the glacial glass squid is given by The Nippon Foundation.
Rank #3
- Swim down into the dark Abyss with this Blue Squid stuffed animal which is ready for any adventure
The expedition behind the sighting
The Nippon Foundation describes the voyage as a 35-day Ocean Census flagship expedition involving The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census, Schmidt Ocean Institute, and GoSouth. GoSouth is a joint project involving the University of Plymouth, GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, and the British Antarctic Survey. The expedition recorded other marine life, including corals, sponges, phantom jellies, icefish, sea spiders, and octopuses. Those observations offer context for the survey, but do not mean the newly exposed seafloor has been comprehensively catalogued.
The Nippon Foundation also reported that SuBastian had captured first confirmed footage in the wild of at least four squid species as of May 23, 2025. That figure is the institute’s count at the time of publication, not an estimate of how many squid live in the region. The available accounts do not establish a population estimate, body length, or abundance figure for G. glacialis.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【5 Piece Ocean Stuffed Animal Set】You will receive a set of squid plush toys, which is a squid stuffed animal 41.3 inch and four different marine animal plush dolls clownfish, crab, seahorse, angler fish baby. This is a very loving Ocean Stuffed Animal Set, and this is a plush toy made by Karister with love.
- 【Safe and Soft Fabric】Our squid stuffed animal toy are made of high-quality plush fabric filled with 100% PP cotton, and this squid stuffed animal toy has passed CPSIA certification and conforms to CPSC standards. When your skin touches it, you will feel warm and comfortable.
- 【Store Function & Durable】Our squid plush toys are made of high-quality plush fabric with exquisite workmanship, they are very durable, The zipper design on the head allows for quick storage of toys after the game and keeps the room tidy.
- 【Ideal Companion】This soft squid plush toy will become a warm friend in your daily life. It's size is very suitable for children to embrace. It will accompany them to play and sleep together, so that they will not feel lonely, and accompany the childrens through every happy or sad moment.
- 【Best Gift】Funny giant squid plush toys are Gift for Marine Animal Lovers, and it's a great choice to give to children at Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, Halloween, First Communion and on their birthdays.
Rank #4
- We are not “squidding” when we say that this Orange Squid stuffed animal is the one for you
- These aquatic animal toys are made of soft high-quality material and are surface washable if you spill on the plushier
- No matter your age, these plush toys will always be a bedtime favorite
- The size of these cute stuffed animals is 12 inches and 22" when fully extended,
- This squid stuffed toy will bring endless Smiles to the faces’ of your loved ones, plus they great animal décor
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
