Live giant squid is filmed for first time

[Namelessv1]

6:08pm GMT 22/12/2006

Japanese scientists have released what are believed to be the first pictures of a live giant squid, one of the most elusive creatures in the world.

The squid, some 24ft long, was captured earlier this month in the Pacific, 600 miles south of Tokyo.

The first photographs of a giant squid were only published in 2005. They were taken by the same team of scientists.

The new footage shows that the squid moves very quickly and suggests that they may exist in large numbers.

The squid, a relatively small female, was caught using a smaller squid as bait at a depth of around 2,000ft.

It died during the struggle and its preserved remains were unveiled yesterday at the National Science Museum in Tokyo.

Giant squid may grow up to 60ft.