# Vampire Squid (*Vampyroteuthis infernalis*) The Vampire Squid is a fascinating deep-sea creature with glowing eyes and a cloak-like web. Despite its spooky name, it's actually quite gentle and unique in the ocean depths. - **Category:** [Invertebrate](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/invertebrate) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Deep Sea - **Also known as:** Vampire Squid from Hell ![Vampire Squid](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426564/objects/6492.jpg) ## Appearance The Vampire Squid is a small, dark red or black cephalopod with large, globe-like blue eyes and a unique cape-like web connecting its eight arms. Its gelatinous body lacks iridescence, making it look distinct from other squid. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Mollusca - **Class:** Cephalopoda - **Order:** Vampyromorpha - **Family:** Vampyroteuthidae - **Genus:** Vampyroteuthis ## Interesting facts - Despite its name, it feeds on decaying matter, not blood or live prey. - It can live in oxygen minimum zones where most complex life cannot survive. - Its body is incredibly soft and gelatinous, allowing it to withstand extreme deep-sea pressures. - Its scientific name, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, means 'vampire squid from hell.' ## Special abilities - **Smoke Screen:** Vampire Squid can release clouds of sticky, bioluminescent mucus to startle predators, allowing it to escape into the dark. - **Spiky Cloak:** Vampire Squid has a webbed cloak it can pull over itself to appear spiky and larger, deterring potential threats. - **Deep Vision:** Vampire Squid has the largest eyes relative to its body size of any animal, helping it see faint light in the dark abyss. - **Filter Feeder:** Vampire Squid can use two retractable filaments to collect 'marine snow' for food, making it a unique deep-sea detritivore. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 25 cm - **Weight:** 0.4 kg - **Lifespan:** 8 years - **Maximum Depth:** 3000 m ## Diet & Feeding This deep-sea dweller feasts on tiny bits of decaying matter floating through the ocean. - **Primary Foods:** Marine snow, Dead plankton, Larval crustacean remains - **Foraging Method:** Scavenging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** Pacific sleeper shark (*Somniosus pacificus*) — Hunts deep-sea fish and cephalopods. - **Eaten by:** Roughhead grenadier (*Macrourus berglax*) — Consumes deep-sea invertebrates and detritus. - **Eaten by:** [Sperm whale](https://www.snappit.app/explore/sperm-whale) (*Physeter macrocephalus*) — Hunts various deep-sea cephalopods. ## Traits - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Filter Feeder](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/filter-feeder): Filter feeders obtain nutrients by straining suspended food particles and small organisms from water. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Deep Sea](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/deep-sea): Deep sea habitats are characterized by extreme pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures, supporting unique life forms below the sunlit zone. - [Carnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/carnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Glowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/glowing): Pertaining to organisms that emit light through bioluminescence or fluorescence. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. ## Collections - [Invertebrates](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/invertebrates) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Vampire Squids live in the deep sea, so we won't encounter them while swimming. Let's admire them from afar. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Vampire Squid? Look for fins, arms, tentacles, shells and body symmetry. Underwater light shifts colors, so structure and markings usually matter more than shade. Sea Creature Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Vampire Squid? 25 cm ### How much does Vampire Squid weigh? 0.4 kg ### How long does Vampire Squid live? 8 years ### What does Vampire Squid eat? This deep-sea dweller feasts on tiny bits of decaying matter floating through the ocean. ### Where is Vampire Squid usually found? Deep Sea ### How does Vampire Squid hunt? Scavenging ### How deep can Vampire Squid go? 3000 m ## More Invertebrate - [Coral](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coral) - [Crab Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/crab-spider) (*Mecaphesa asperata*) - [Garden Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-spider) (*Araneus diadematus*) - [Brown Recluse Spider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-recluse-spider) (*Loxosceles reclusa*) --- Source: [Vampire Squid: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/vampire-squid)