Giant Squid

Introduction

Live Giant Squid - 169.2 KB

First giant squid videotaped live. Photo: AP Photo/Tsunemi Kubodera of the National Science Museum of Japan

The giant squid is the second largest known living squid and invertebrate. Once thought to be a myth, it is very elusive and has never been captured alive. Most specimens are collected from the stomachs of sperm whales or washed ashore.

In 2005 a Japanese research team led by Tsunemi Kubodera succeeded taking pictures of a live giant squid. On December 22, 2006 the same team was successful in videotaping and capturing a 24 foot live giant squid. Unfortunately the squid died during capture.

Giant squid are estimated to be between 10 to 13 meters long.