The pelagic in situ observation system (PELAGIOS) is a towed observation system with HD video camera and environmental sensors. It is used for pelagic video transects down to 3000 m. The system enables the visualization and exploration of pelagic organisms (> 1 cm), in particular delicate gelatinous fauna, which cannot be captured by nets. The video and hydrographic data give insight into the biodiversity, abundance, and distribution of oceanic pelagic organisms from the surface to the deep sea.