Vampire Squid
Vampyroteuthis infernalis
The vampire squid is a deep-sea cephalopod living in oxygen-poor midwater zones, often hundreds to thousands of meters below the surface. It drifts slowly with fin strokes and uses its dark coloration, light-producing organs, and webbed arms to avoid predators rather than chase prey. Its diet is unusual for a cephalopod, consisting mostly of marine snow, tiny crustaceans, fecal pellets, and other drifting organic particles gathered with long filaments. When threatened, it can turn its webbed arms over its body in a spiky-looking “pineapple” posture and release glowing mucus instead of ink.
- Type
- Water / Stealth
- Conservation status
- NE