Giant Squid: Video'd!

Japanese researchers are reporting the first filming of a living Architeuthis—a giant squid. You know the drill: world's biggest invertebrates, thing that attacked the submarine Nautilus in 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, ancient enemy of the sperm whale, only hinted by fragments and half-seen pictures.

Now there's video of one. the team, from Japan's National Science Museum, shot it as they were bringing the 24-foot long beast on board...a process which, by the way, apparently killed it.

Here's a slightly hilarious quote from the lead researcher, Tsunemi Kubodera:

"Sperm whales need from 500 to 1,000 kilograms (1,100-2,200 pounds) of food every day," he said. "There are believed to be 200,000 or so of them, and that would suggest there are quite a few squid for them to be feeding on. I don't think they are in danger of extinction at all."

Considering Japan's record with their treatment of other giant denizens of the sea (Greenpeace on the subject; Japan Whaling responds) I maybe don't want this kind of early evaluation of how plentiful giant squid are. But then again, wouldn't it be awesome if they were just everywhere down there, 100 feet long, masters of the planet?

Brilliant New Yorker story about looking for giant squid: here

Recipe for stuffed squid, Japanese style: here