The vampire squid is a small cephalopod found throughout temperate and tropical oceans in extreme deep-sea conditions, using bioluminescent organs and a unique oxygen metabolism to thrive in waters with the lowest oxygen concentrations. It carries two long retractile filaments between the first two pairs of arms on its dorsal side that distinguish it from both octopuses and squids, though its closest living relatives are octopuses, and as a phylogenetic relict it is the only known surviving member of the order Vampyromorphida.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceDark reddish-brown body that provides camouflage in twilight, deep-sea waters where red light does not reach. 1 Classification
System (Realm) Scientific NameVampyroteuthis infernalis 1 Connections
In Ecosystem
Source World Wildlife Fund
Sources
1. MBARI: Vampire Squid
Species name (page title)
Vampyroteuthis infernalis
Description
That dark, reddish-brown color keeps Vampyroteuthis camouflaged in twilight waters where red light cannot reach.
View the Source2. Wikipedia: Vampire squid
system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)Quote, system (MediaWiki batch-API article extract states it plainly)
'vampire squid from hell') is a small cephalopod found throughout temperate and tropical oceans in extreme deep sea conditions.
World Wildlife Fund
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