‘Glass squid’: transparent marine species surprises scientists in Alaska

The bottom of the sea is a mysterious place full of surprising animals. Recently, an expedition in the Alaskan sea recorded images of a squid that appeared as transparent as glass.

The species impresses everyone because it is very different and has wide eyes. The mysterious creature is the glass squid, called the “glass squid” or “transparent squid”.

The image was taken on July 15 by researchers from NOAA Ocean Exploration, in Alaska, USA. The video was later published on the Ocean Explorer YouTube channel and on the scientific institution's website.

The dissemination of the registry and research serve as an incentive for a more detailed understanding of the richness and diversity of marine ecosystems.

(Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration/Seascape Alaska/Reproduction)

Glass squid that looks like it's from another planet

The Seascape Alaska 3 expedition made its first dive and reached about 700 meters (2,300 feet) deep. To circulate in

marine environment, researchers drove an ROV, a remotely controlled vehicle.

During local observation, the expedition identified a glass squid (Taonius borealis). Thus, they took the opportunity to make a detailed and unique record of the animal, highlighting the organ that is completely visible within it.

The digestive gland is located in the center, the reddish organ. This is in the middle of two other white crescent-shaped organs, these are the animal's gills. Below the eyes are also “light-producing organs”.

During the video, a curious movement takes place in the region of the squid's eyeballs. However, researchers believe this is just the “blink of an eye”. Check out the video below:

Since the images were published, people have been amazed at the discovery of the scientific expedition, which is why the video has circulated widely on the web.

Thus, scientists took the opportunity to report that this is a very common squid in this marine environment. The novelty was, in fact, the very well done image, with close-up and details about the animal's characteristics.