The video will start in 8 Cancel

News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Maritime experts have captured compelling footage of two huge deep-sea squid fighting over bait suspended 440ft under the sea's surface.

One rather large squid is grabbed by an even bigger one, just as it nabs the bait from the line sent far down into the depths of the ocean.

The ensuing struggle is dramatic, and even carries on off-camera.

Australian science agency CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) recorded the watery encounter during a test of equipment used to study of deep-sea marine life.

CSIRO conduct scientific research to help the environment, improve industry and shape the technology of tomorrow.

The line they drop into the ocean is the RV Investigator, a state-of-the-art marine research vessel that helps uncover the mysteries of the ocean.

This includes deep sea oceanography, mapping the geology of Australia's marine estate to underpin resource exploration, learning more about Australian weather patterns.

Despite the scientific nature of their work, the agency clearly sees the funny side of the squid incident, as they named the video 'When squid attack!' and even provide a comically-detailed transcript of the footage.

The giant squid is the biggest invertebrate on the planet. The largest squid recorded measure 59 feet (19 meters) in length, and weighed nearly a ton (900kg).

Their favoured environment is the deepest sea, making them very difficult to study.

Almost everything scientist know about giant squid is from carcasses washed up on shore, or hauled in by fishermen - so seeing two captured on camera is a unique opportunity to see giant squid interact.

Like other squid species, giant squid have eight arms and two longer feeding tentacles that help them bring food to their beak-like mouths.

Their diet likely consists of fish, shrimp, and other squid, and some suggest they might even attack and eat small whales.