A giant squid has been filmed alive for the first time by a Japanese research team.

The squid was caught attacking bait and emitting short bright light flashes, possibly to attract a mate or to communicate.

The elusive creature was taped as it was captured off the Ogasawara Islands, south of Tokyo. But the squid, which measured about 7m (24ft) long, died in the process of being caught.

Scientist Tsunemi Kubodera said: "We believe this is the first time anyone has successfully filmed a giant squid that was alive."

Giant squid, once believed to be mythical creatures, are deep-ocean dwelling animals that can grow to a massive size.

Recent estimates put the maximum size at 10m (33ft) for males and 13m (43ft) for females.

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