Animal Profiles
Molluscs

Vampire Squid

Vampyroteuthis infernalis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The vampire squid collects drifting organic debris in dim, oxygen-poor ocean water. Its webbed arms and glowing defences make it unusual among living cephalopods.

Vampyroteuthis infernalis

At a glance

Location
Tropical and temperate oceans, especially oxygen-poor midwater at roughly 600 to 900 metres deep.
Habitat
Open ocean
Diet
Detritivore
Food
Marine snow and some small zooplankton.

Classification

Common name
Vampire Squid
Browse group
Molluscs
Scientific name or taxon
Vampyroteuthis infernalis
Taxon rank
species
Order
Vampyromorpha
Family
Vampyroteuthidae
Genus
Vampyroteuthis
Source classification
Cephalopoda

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Measurements

Size and speed

Length
Up to 30 cm total length

Typical adult ranges. Source: Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.

Three things to know

  • Marine snow makes up much of its diet.
  • It can turn its webbed arms outward when threatened.
  • Its defences include bioluminescent fluid.

Habitat and range

Tropical and temperate oceans, especially oxygen-poor midwater at roughly 600 to 900 metres deep.

Appearance and adaptations

Eight webbed arms surround the mouth. Two long, sticky filaments gather particles, and light-producing structures help it confuse potential predators.

Diet and behaviour

It gathers sinking organic remains instead of relying on active hunting. Mucus binds the food before it reaches the mouth, conserving energy in low-oxygen water.

Sources

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