Vampire Squid [Vampyroteuthis infernalis]
Description
The Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a small, deep-sea cephalopod found throughout the temperate and tropical oceans of the world. Unique for its jet-black body and webbed tentacles, it is also known for its ability to 'turn inside out' to display a prickly side to predators. This species inhabits extreme deep-sea environments, typically found at depths between 600 and 900 meters. It is equipped with large, proportionally sized eyes that are adapted for the low light conditions of its deep-sea habitat. The Vampire Squid's behavior includes defensive tactics such as emitting a cloud of bioluminescent mucus when threatened. Despite its name, it does not feed on blood but instead consumes 'marine snow', a mixture of organic material falling to the deep ocean.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Mollusks
Mollusca
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Squids, Octopuses, and Cuttlefish
Cephalopoda
|
| Order |
Vampire Squid
Vampyromorphida
|
| Family |
Vampire Squids
Vampyroteuthidae
|
| Genus |
Vampire Squid
Vampyroteuthis
|