[kellyhound]

It is a rare sight to see a giant squid alive, let alone swimming near a boat. But, this 3.7 metre long Architeuthis squid made an appearance for a group of Japanese spectators on Christmas Eve.

The Architeuthis species can grow up to almost 13 metres long.

It was seen cruising next to a boat’s moorings in Toyama Bay on the west coast of Japan. The bay is usually associated for being a spawning ground for the firefly squid.

The giant orange and white squid was reportedly 3.7 metres long and nearly one metre wide.

Christopher Mah, a marine biologist based in Washington D.C., posted his thoughts on Twitter. Mah believes it is only the third video recorded of a giant squid; and suggests the usually deep-water creature was near the surface because it might be unwell.

[el_topo]

Awesome, who knows what mysterious creatures live in the abyss.

[durt]

They're probably thinking , 8 tons of sushi, catch it!

[SLAPAPPY]

Looks squidlicious... my ex has a massive clam... that smells like dead fish... and captures and devours its unsuspecting inebriated prey in seedy bars!

[FilRude]

I've always been intrigued by this massive creature. It has not been until the last few years that it has been captured alive on video.

[dalialilith]

Holy shit. I hate squids.

[neilwatt]

Yeah I'm sure I read that they surface when they ain't feeling well