There are more creatures living in the deep seas than those found “close” to the surface. Some are so old that they survived hundreds of years, passing through the most intriguing periods of human history without even acknowledging that there is an entire world thousands of meters above, on the surface. Not only living organisms, but also icy structures like icebergs, have been around for a long period of time – but this one collapsed and unveiled a creature that scientists had first identified over 100 years ago.
Delicate ecosystems are now visible: global warming is the reason
As the world gets warmer, the icebergs that once were considered indestructible are melting down and revealing things that got lost in time due to the low temperatures in the region. Icebergs either hide things for hundreds of years or freeze ancient ecosystems that are untouchable – or so they thought until a new one melts down.
In January 2025, iceberg A-84 broke away from Antarctica, sending another massive block of ice into the Southern Ocean. Normally, that wouldn’t be more than a passing headline. This time, though, scientists spotted something unusual — a pristine marine species in waters newly exposed by the calving, one that had rarely been seen alive in over a hundred years.
A glass-like creature emerged from the iceberg: not the first time it was seen
The Galiteuthis glacialis, found only in Antarctic waters, is one of the ocean’s most mysterious creatures. Its transparent body makes it almost invisible in the deep sea, a perfect trick for staying hidden. Even though it looks fragile and glassy, the squid is a capable predator, using hooked tentacles to hunt in the dark depths.
The squid’s ability to survive in extreme conditions is similar to how other animals — from deep-sea creatures to rescued pets — adapt and thrive in new surroundings. Watching these adaptations in action gives scientists a clearer idea of how evolution helps species survive in extreme environments.
The Schmidt Ocean Institute, a non-profit foundation founded in 2009 to advance ocean research, has been key in documenting rare marine life in some of the planet’s most remote regions. Using remotely operated vehicles with high-definition cameras, the team can observe deep-sea animals without disturbing them.
One discovery triggered another: Second giant squid was found in Antarctica
On March 9, 2025, another expedition captured the first-ever footage of a juvenile colossal squid. This giant squid shares the transparent body and hooked tentacles of the glass squid, but grows much larger — up to 7 meters as an adult. The colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni) is not only the largest invertebrate on Earth, it also has the largest eyes in the animal kingdom. Unlike the giant squid, it lives in deep Antarctic waters, making it rarely seen. Filming a juvenile gives scientists a rare look at the early life of this elusive creature.
Years of evolution are visible in their bodies: Adapt or die
Both squid species show incredible adaptations to survive in one of the planet’s harshest environments. Their transparent, glass-like bodies help them stay hidden, while hooked tentacles make them skilled hunters in an environment where food is hard to find. During the expedition, scientists were reminded that everything we know about Antarctic marine life is just a tiny fraction of what actually exists beneath the surface, as over 15.5 million square kilometers is currently frozen.
Despite its harsh conditions, the Southern Ocean is home to a surprising variety of species, all with unique adaptations to survive freezing, crushing pressure, and scarce food. Searches like this are also inspired by others – like this expedition that found over 800 creatures in the ocean recently.