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564 Featured Specimen
Vampire squid

Details

Vampire squid

Vampyroteuthis infernalis

Size
Total length 15–30 cm
Diet
Detritivore
Activity
Cathemeral
Sociality
Solitary
Lifespan

The vampire squid is a deep-sea cephalopod with features of both octopuses and squids. Its dark cloaklike web gives it the name, though it does not drink blood.

Range

Habitat range map
Native range Occasional / Transient
Pacific OceanPacific OceanPacific OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanAtlantic OceanIndian Ocean

Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)

Details

Habitat

It is widespread in temperate and tropical deep oceans, especially oxygen-minimum layers. The animal drifts in dark midwater far below strong sunlight.

Appearance

Total length is about 15-30 cm. Large eyes, a dark reddish body, webbed arms and light organs are typical, and the arms can fold over the body like a cloak.

Behavior

Solitary and slow-moving, it saves energy rather than chasing prey. Light organs and glowing mucus help confuse predators.

Feeding

Unlike predatory squids, it feeds mainly on sinking organic debris, fecal pellets and small animal fragments. Long filaments gather particles from the water.

Reproduction

Females are thought to spawn more than once during life, with eggs developing in deep water. Growth is slow in the cold, low-energy habitat.

Notes

It is the only living member of its lineage and is specialized for deep, low-oxygen water. Despite the name, it is harmless to large animals.