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. 2019 Dec 13;9(1):19099.
doi: 10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1.

The first global deep-sea stable isotope assessment reveals the unique trophic ecology of Vampire Squid Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda)

Alexey V Golikov  1 , Filipe R Ceia  2 , Rushan M Sabirov  3 , Jonathan D Ablett  4 , Ian G Gleadall  5 , Gudmundur Gudmundsson  6 , Hendrik J Hoving  7 , Heather Judkins  8 , Jónbjörn Pálsson  9 , Amanda L Reid  10 , Rigoberto Rosas-Luis  11   12 , Elizabeth K Shea  13 , Richard Schwarz  14 , José C Xavier  2   15
Affiliations

The first global deep-sea stable isotope assessment reveals the unique trophic ecology of Vampire Squid Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda)

Alexey V Golikov et al. Sci Rep. .

Abstract

Vampyroteuthis infernalis Chun, 1903, is a widely distributed deepwater cephalopod with unique morphology and phylogenetic position. We assessed its habitat and trophic ecology on a global scale via stable isotope analyses of a unique collection of beaks from 104 specimens from the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. Cephalopods typically are active predators occupying a high trophic level (TL) and exhibit an ontogenetic increase in δ15N and TL. Our results, presenting the first global comparison for a deep-sea invertebrate, demonstrate that V. infernalis has an ontogenetic decrease in δ15N and TL, coupled with niche broadening. Juveniles are mobile zooplanktivores, while larger Vampyroteuthis are slow-swimming opportunistic consumers and ingest particulate organic matter. Vampyroteuthis infernalis occupies the same TL (3.0-4.3) over its global range and has a unique niche in deep-sea ecosystems. These traits have enabled the success and abundance of this relict species inhabiting the largest ecological realm on the planet.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Vampyroteuthis infernalis sample locations. Map created by A.V.G. in QGIS 3.8.0 (QGIS Development Team, 2009. QGIS Geographic Information System. Open Source Geospatial Foundation. http://qgis.org).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Ontogenetic changes in stable isotope values and trophic levels in Vampyroteuthis infernalis. (A) Values of δ13C. (B) Values of δ15N and trophic levels. Data on Gonatus fabricii are shown as an example of ontogenetic increase in typical carnivorous squids (modified from). Confidence intervals are 95%.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Stable isotopic niches of Vampyroteuthis infernalis. (A) Geographic approach. (B) Ontogenetic approach.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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