//www.youtube.com/embed/4e4PvKK_lMU?feature=player_detailpage
A group of scientists exploring the depths of Gulf of Mexico on Friday videotaped a rarely-observed vampire squid.
The sighting was made via remotely-operated vehicle (ROV) during an overnight dive, and documented by the crew aboard EVNautilus. The footage (posted above) shows the vampire squid moving slowly, yet gracefully in the gentle current.
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which last month acquired one of these amazing critters, vampire squid are an ancient species that possess characteristics of a squid and an octopus.
Vampire squid image is a video screen grab
Its Latin name, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, translates to “vampire squid from hell.”
Contrary to its name, however, the vampire squid does not feed on blood. Rather, it scavenges largely on marine snow–organic detritus falling through the water column–and decaying animal carcasses. The richly-colored critter, which boasts incredibly large eyes and can turn itself inside out to escape predators.
Vampire squid are thought to residee atlightless depths between 2,000 and 3,000 feet.
Aside from the Gulf of Mexico, they’ve been observed in the Gulf of California (Sea of Cortez) and off Monterey Bay.
The EVNautilus is studying the impacts of oil and gas inputs into the Gulf of Mexico.
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