Squid with "headlights" attacked an underwater video camera at a depth of over one kilome...

Squid with "headlights" attacked an underwater video camera at a depth of over one kilometer. In the Samoan Passage region of the Pacific Ocean, a team of British and Australian scientists captured footage of a rare deep-sea squid species, *Taningia danae*. This squid is one of the largest in the world, reaching nearly two and a half meters in length and weighing over 160 kg. During seabed research, scientists used specialized equipment with cameras and bait to observe marine fauna. At a depth exceeding one kilometer, a 75-centimeter *Taningia danae* squid attacked one of the camera modules. Mistaking the camera for prey, the squid attempted to intimidate it with bright flashes from its photophores. It then turned its attention to another lens, wrapping its tentacles around it. A distinctive feature of *Taningia danae* is a pair of large photophores located at the tips of its tentacles. These bioluminescent organs, the largest light sources in the animal kingdom, are about the size of a human fist. Using eyelid-like membranes, the squid opens and closes these organs to produce light flashes. Scientists believe these flashes are used to stun prey, deter predators, and communicate with other squids. First described by zoologists in 1931, *Taningia danae* remains poorly studied. Most knowledge about giant squids comes from examining dead specimens found in sperm whale stomachs. The species was first observed in its natural habitat only 20 years ago. Credit: The University of Western Australia (UWA)