It’s been the thing of legends for hundreds of years. But it’s always remained highly elusive and mysterious.

For the first time in history, scientists have captured footage of a colossal squid in its natural habitat—deep in the waters off the South Sandwich Islands.

The incredible animal looks almost like an ornate glass sculpture, with highly reflective eyes that seem to glow in the deep dark ocean.

Filmed by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the juvenile squid may only be a foot long, but it’s part of a species that can grow up to 33 feet and boasts the largest eyes of any known animal.

Long the stuff of maritime legend, the colossal squid has remained an elusive mystery—until now.

This rare glimpse offers scientists valuable clues into the life of one of the ocean’s most secretive creatures and reminds us just how little we truly know about the deep sea.

The abyss still holds its wonders.

Images © Copyright Schmidt Ocean Institute.