Rare giant squid spotted swimming through Japanese harbour (video)

The moment a rare giant squid swam close to the coast of Japan's Toyama Bay on Christmas Eve was captured by a fisherman.

According to Motherboard, the 13ft-long and 3ft-wide squid is an Architeuthis, a creature that lives in the deep-ocean and can grow up to 43 feet.

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The large squid are usually only found dead on the surface of the water or washed up on beaches.

A diver is seen swimming next to the creature after jumping in to get a closer look.

See also: Fishmonger finds live bomb inside squid

Giant squid are elusive creatures that were first recorded live in 2006 after scientists suspended bait beneath a vessel off the Ogasawara Islands to hook one, Ocean Portal reports. A 24ft squid was pulled out alive, enabling the world to finally see a living, breathing giant squid.

In May, a giant squid washed up on a beach on New Zealand's South Island.

Residents walking along the beach of South Bay in Kaikoura were shocked to discover the monstrous marine animal.

According to New Zealand's Marlborough Express, the squid was taken to Kaikoura Marine Centre and Aquarium.

The centre released information about the squid on its Facebook page.

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