Deep-sea marine snow is on the menu for the vampire squid

Despite the ominous name, the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is neither a vampire nor a squid, but the sole surviving member of an ancient group of cephalopods.

Instead of chasing down prey, Vampyroteuthis feeds on “marine snow”—a flurry of dead plankton, poop, mucus, and other organic material sinking from the waters above. They have two long, thin, sticky filaments that collect bits of “snow.” Once their filaments are loaded with food, Vampyroteuthis pulls them through their arms. Suckers under their web produce mucus to concentrate the particles, and soft, finger-like cirri guide the meal to the vampire squid’s mouth.

Vampire squid thrive in the oxygen minimum zone, where oxygen levels are only a fraction of those near the surface. Their passive feeding strategy conserves energy, making it ideal for life in low-oxygen environments.