Squids in themselves are already amazing creatures as they have extremely unique properties that can differ depending on the species. As such, a new translucent squid was spotted with eyes as red as demons around the coast of Alaska.
Demon-Eyed Squid
A demon-eyed squid with a translucent body and a beak similar to that of a parrot was found floating off the coast of Alaska. The squid was captured on film showing an alien-like appearance.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration researchers part of its Ocean exploration team found the squid, which was classified as the Taonius borealis, on July 15. The squid had blood-red eyes and was found 2,300 feet underwater.
The scientists used a remote-operated vehicle (ROV) to search the Pacific waters around the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. The first dive, called the Seascape Alaska 3, had the mission to map unexplored deep sea areas around the state's exclusive economic zone (EEZ).
The expedition was carried onboard the NOAA ship Okeanos Explorer, and the explorers were able to capture the glass squid on video, shared to the NOAA's Ocean Explorer YouTube channel on Aug 16.
The video showed the inverted squid with a glass-like body, with its vital organs visible through its translucent skin. It also had a hat-like mass located above its eyes and at the top of its body.
The Glass Squid
According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Taonius borealis, or glass squid, is capable of growing up to 26 inches. The NOAA representative said that the squid was common despite showing uncommon traits.
The video included a moment where the squid's eyeball looked to be retracted, as it was then surrounded by a purple disk. The NOAA representative said that this action made it seem like the squid was blinking.
Under each eye, the squid had what was described as a "crescent-shaped structure," giving more detail to its eye compared to the rest of its body. Parts of the squid's eyes were photophores, or organs that produce light to help the animal attract pray.
The NOAA also notes that the glass squid likes to bate shrimp and small fish and even feast on other squid as its prey. There were over 60 known glass squid species that come within the Cranchiidae family, with all of them having translucent skin.
Largest Glass Squid
Not all glass squid is tiny as the colossal squid, known by its scientific name Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, can reach 33 feet long. Aside from being the biggest glass squid, it's also considered the heaviest squid worldwide.
Although a glass squid, the colossal squid isn't described as translucent. A colossal squid was once found to weigh 450 kgs with eyes measuring 11 inches, around the size of a soccer ball, which also had photophore like the demon-eyed Taonius borealis.
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