The largest squid on Earth has been captured alive on camera for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean. Described as “colossal” by international media, it is the heaviest invertebrate on the planet and was observed alive nearly a century after it was first identified.

Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni, which can reach a length of seven meters and a weight of one ton, was spotted near the South Sandwich Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.

According to experts, the squid that was recorded is still young, as its length currently measures only 30 centimeters.

Live Colossal Squid Captured on Video in the Wild for the First Time Ever

The footage was captured by an international team of researchers and scientists participating in a mission by the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

As reported by The Guardian, the rare squid was recorded by a camera on the unmanned vehicle SuBastian, as part of a 35-day mission aimed at discovering new forms of marine life.

Until now, this particular squid—whose body is glass-like and transparent when young—had only ever been found in the stomachs of whales and seabirds.

The species is identifiable and distinguished by the sharp hooks at the tips of its tentacles.