In 2001 an unusual squid estimated at 7 m (23 ft) in length was reported for the first time. That such a large animal could have gone undetected for so long seems remarkable. This squid, however, was found in the bathypelagic zone of the deep sea, a region that, because of its large size and inaccessibility, has been poorly investigated. The ocean has about 300 times more living space than exists on land. Over two-thirds of this vast aquatic realm lies in the bathypelagic zone, generally ranging from approximately 1000 m (3280 ft) deep down to the ocean floor.