The Vampire Squid, a Living Fossil of the Abyss

The vampire squid is a peculiar creature, with its deep red colour, icy blue eyes, and webbed tentacles. Vampire squid are remarkably well-suited for a life at these depths. The isolated environment around it has changed little in 300 million years, meaning there has been no selection pressure to drive any large-scale natural selection in the species. For now, it is evolution’s near perfect solution to the harsh, unforgiving environment of the oceanic deep.

The vampire squid dwells in the mesopelagic zone of the ocean. Here, there may be less than 5 percent oxygen saturation and little or no light. But while most cephalopods cannot survive below 50% oxygen saturation, the vampire squid has found ways of adapting to these conditions, with a slowed metabolism that causes it to require very little oxygen to survive. When feeding, it rarely actively swims, but prefers to drift on ocean currents. By using this efficient method, the squid uses very little energy, which it saves up for times when it faces danger. In such instances, it can move swiftly, using powerful jet propulsion while flapping its enlarged fins.

#deepsea #wildlife #ocean #vampiresquid #deepseawonders

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[jesustyronechrist]

Scientists: "The fish"

The fish: Eats marine snow and is harmless

[Galimeer]

The vampire squid: the scariest name for the tamest of sea creatures

[matman]

Harmless squid that doesn't hunt: exists
Scientists: Dear lord! It's a vampire monster from Hell!

[johngobble]

dude I wish I could be called a “living fossil of the abyss” it sounds so cool

[amymcdonnell]

my man is literally a living water filter and they named him "vampire squid for hell"

[ShelbyOnSafari]

That’s so cool about the reduced need for oxygen! Footage of the pineapple posture was so rad!
Cephalopods are just incredible, thank you for raising awareness of this!
💚 happy holidays Leo! 🎄

[Spadeaswell]

Screw science, I’m calling that the umbrella squid.

[elguido]

Squid: has largest relative eyes in the world, to be able to see in the almost complete darkness.
Cameraman: how about I shine several hundred watts lamps on you?

Amazing animal and amazing presentation. I love your channel!

[mariefranco]

It has a dangerous name for a very harmless and cute squid.

[sergioreyes]

I keep getting more and more amazed by the incredible variety and bizarreness of life on this planet. Imagine how bizarre creatures from other planets might be.

[bladedge]

I really really find them cute, no clue how big they are tho, cute!!!

[sIeepy_ash]

When I was small, I would see the Vampire Squid in deep sea documentaries and think its the size of a car, or even larger. But when I grew up, I learned that most things in those documentaries are much smaller than I believed. The Vampire Squid grows up to around 12 inches. A bit disappointing, honestly, but I still love it.

[Ecotasia]

It is interesting how they can survive in lower oxygen environments, I have a glow in the dark toy one from back in the day.

[nineblackgoats]

Every introvert can rely to the vampire squid on a deep spiritual level.

[charleneong]

One of the most metal-looking sea creatures. and yet incredibly harmless. I am so in love. Thanks so much for all the incredible deep-sea videos, i am so addicted to them

[NaturallyCuriousUK]

Ha ha! You really have nurtured your love of the bizarre deep sea life this year Leo. How about some terrestrial wonders soon though, yeah? Wishing you and yours a Joyful Christmas and a happy, healthy, and successful 2021. 👍😎👍

[ThisHandleIsDefinatelyTaken]

What a cute critter, with those big eyes, demure flippers and a positively elegant dress.

[ragnerschwarzmane]

Vampiresquid gets frightened
Vampiresquid: „Throwing flashbang!“

[missmadmadmaggie]

Just discovered this channel today. And I am hooked. You have such a calm voice, Leo. These videos are so interesting.

[Tiefnebel]

Very cool and interesting, thank you!