image by Tolweb Vampire Squid || Vampyroteuthis infernalis The vampire squid is one of the coolest animals I know of. This guy lives between 600 and 900 metres below sea level, at which point there is no light (aphotic). The oxygen content can be as low as 3% at these depths, however the vampire squid has highly effecient hemocyanin; which when acting in conjunction with extra large gills allow the vampire squid to breathe normally. A common adaptation to the deep sea is that of bioluminescence, and this adaptation has also been evolved by the vampire squid. However, it uses it not to create a decoy or bait for prey, but rather to hide itself from predators. At the higher ranges of its habitat, there is some light visible and therefore the squid creates a silhouette, which it uses its gentle bioluminescence to dissapitate.

image by Tolweb

Vampire Squid || Vampyroteuthis infernalis

The vampire squid is one of the coolest animals I know of. This guy lives between 600 and 900 metres below sea level, at which point there is no light (aphotic).

The oxygen content can be as low as 3% at these depths, however the vampire squid has highly effecient hemocyanin; which when acting in conjunction with extra large gills allow the vampire squid to breathe normally.

A common adaptation to the deep sea is that of bioluminescence, and this adaptation has also been evolved by the vampire squid. However, it uses it not to create a decoy or bait for prey, but rather to hide itself from predators. At the higher ranges of its habitat, there is some light visible and therefore the squid creates a silhouette, which it uses its gentle bioluminescence to dissapitate.