Windows to the Deep 2021: Southeast U.S. ROV and Mapping
October 26 - November 15, 2021
Bigfin Squid: Genus Magnapinna
On November 9, 2021, during Dive 10 of Windows to the Deep 2021, NOAA Ocean Exploration captured remarkable footage of an adult bigfin squid, genus Magnapinna. While we did not get a length estimate on this squid, the largest bigfin reported was about 6.4 meters (21 feet) in total length (including the arms and tentacles). Bigfin squid are the deepest known squids and while sightings of them have been recorded globally, the total number of sightings is likely less than two dozen, making this observation rare and all the more exciting.
Credit for all media: NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2021 (or NOAA Ocean Exploration, if space is limited)
Date: November 9, 2021
Depth: 2,385 meters (1.48 miles)
Location: Ridge feature off the west Florida escarpment
On the video:
- Allen Collins, Windows to the Deep 2021 Biology Science Lead, NOAA Fisheries National Systematics Laboratory and Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
- Stephanie Farrington, Windows to the Deep 2021 Biology Science Lead, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University
- Mike Vecchione, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service National Systematics Lab, National Museum of Natural History