Googly-eyed Stubby Squid | Nautilus Live

The team spotted this Stubby Squid off the coast of California at a depth of 900 meters (2,950 feet). The stubby squid (Rossia pacifica) looks like a cross between an octopus and squid, but is more closely related to cuttlefish. This species spends life on the seafloor, activating a sticky mucus jacket and burrowing into the sediment to camouflage, leaving their eyes poking out to spot prey like shrimp and small fish. Rossia pacifica is found in the Northern Pacific from Japan to Southern California, most commonly seen up to 300m deep, but specimens have been collected at 1000m depth. E/V Nautilus is exploring the ocean studying biology, geology, archeology, and more. Watch for live video from the ocean floor. For live dive updates follow along on social media at and on Twitter. For more photos from our dives, check out our Instagram @nautiluslive. Edited by: Daniel Larsh