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
Classification
DietDetritivore or Scavenger 2 System (Realm) Relationship to PeopleNo Significant Interaction with Humans 3 Comparison
NatureServe Rank CITES Appendix Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceDark reddish-brown body that provides camouflage in twilight, deep-sea waters where red light does not reach. 1 Scientific NameVampyroteuthis infernalis 1 Conservation Status Connections
Child Taxon Of
Source Wikidata: Vampire Squid
In Biome
Source Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Animal Diversity Web)
In Ecosystem
Source World Wildlife Fund
In the Other Atlases
Found In
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
Also in Geography Atlas: where this subject is found.
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)
'vampire squid from hell') is a small cephalopod found throughout temperate and tropical oceans in extreme deep sea conditions.
Article text
The name Vampyroteuthis was reportedly inspired by its dark colour and cloaklike webbing, rather than its habits, it feeds on detritus, not blood.
View the Source3. Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of Zoology: Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Animal Diversity Web)
Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan Museum of ZoologyConservation Status: CITES
CITES No special status
Economic Importance for Humans: Positive: "The vampire squid has no positive economic benef"
The vampire squid has no positive economic benefit to humans.
Economic Importance for Humans: Negative: "The vampire squid also does not have a negative"
The vampire squid also does not have a negative economic benefit to humans.
In Biome: Hydrothermal Vent, Habitat: Aquatic Biomes
Aquatic Biomes benthic benthic oceanic vent oceanic vent coastal coastal
View the Source 4. NatureServe Explorer: Vampyroteuthis infernalis
NatureServe ExplorerGlobal rank (roundedGRank)Quote, Global rank (roundedGRank)
"roundedGRank": "GNR"
5. GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (IUCN Red List category): IUCN Red List category of Vampyroteuthis infernalis
GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (IUCN Red List category)iucnRedListCategory recordQuote, iucnRedListCategory record
"category": "NOT_EVALUATED"
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Wikidata: Vampire Squid
- Wikidata Q2509902, class allow-list match (w-wdresolver-0926)
- Child Taxon Of: Vampyroteuthidae, Wikidata parent-taxon (P171) chain
View the SourceWorld Wildlife Fund
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