Photo: Carl Chun · Image source ·Public domain
Animal profile · Mollusks · Vampyromorph
Vampire squid
Vampyroteuthis infernalis
The vampire squid is a dark red deep-sea cephalopod that is neither a true squid nor an octopus. It survives in the low-oxygen midwater zone by collecting drifting organic scraps.
Not a fish · an aquatic neighborWater
Saltwater
Open midwater in the deep ocean, especially oxygen-poor zones where little active hunting occurs.
Temperature
Range not established
A dependable species-specific wild temperature range was not found.
Size
Up to about 30 cm (12 in) long
About as long as a school ruler
Lifespan
Not established in the wild.
Life expectancy varies with place, conditions, and what scientists have been able to observe.
01 · Signature adaptation
What does it do?
It is a slow, energy-saving swimmer adapted to darkness and low oxygen. When threatened, it may flash blue light, release glowing mucus, or curl its webbed arms around the body.
02 · Home coordinates
Where does it live?
Deep waters of tropical and temperate oceans worldwide.
Regions: Worldwide tropical and temperate oceans
03 · The menu
What does it eat?
Long filaments collect falling organic particles, which are then moved toward the mouth with mucus.
Detritivore: marine snow, dead plankton, jellyfish remains, fecal particles.
04 · Remember this
Two wow facts
Not really a vampire
Its name refers to its dark color and webbed arms; it does not drink blood.
Sources [1] [3]
Eats marine snow
Its main food is falling organic detritus, sometimes called marine snow.
Sources [1] [2]