Picture of Giant squid caught alive first time in the world in December 4, 2006 by researchers from the National Science Museum of Japan led by Tsunemi Kubodera.

Giant squid, once believed to be mythical creatures, live in deep ocean which can grow to a tremendous size. Recently, this creature's maximum size is estimated 13 meters (43ft) for female and 10 meters (33ft) for male from caudal fin to the tip of the two long tentacles. The mantle is only about 2 metres (7 ft) long (more for females, less for males), and the length of the squid excluding its tentacles is about 5 metres (16 ft). There have been claims reported of specimens of up to 20 metres (66 ft), but no animals of such size have been scientifically documented.

On September 30, 2004, researchers from the National Science Museum of Japan and the Ogasawara Whale Watching Association took the first images of a live giant squid in its natural habitat. Several of the 556 photographs were released a year later. The same team successfully filmed a live giant squid for the first time on December 4, 2006.

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