List of giant squid specimens and sightings (2015–present)

It includes animals that were caught by fishermen, found washed ashore, recovered (in whole or in part) from sperm whales and other predatory species, as well as those reliably sighted at sea.

The 15-month period between January 2014 and March 2015 saw an unprecedented mass appearance event in the Sea of Japan, during which 57 giant squid specimens were recorded in Japanese coastal waters (spanning #563 to 631)[1] and a substantial but smaller number from the South Korean side.

[4] Though the frequency with which specimens are observed has increased in recent decades, the giant squid remains a highly elusive animal, especially given its large size and worldwide distribution.

As Roper et al. (2015:83) wrote: "Few events in the natural world stimulate more excitement and curiosity among scientists and laymen alike than the discovery of a specimen of Architeuthis."

The number below each image corresponds to that given in the List of giant squid table and is linked to the relevant record therein.