Images related to the MBARI News Release
MBARI researchers discover what vampire squids eat (it's not what you think)
Note: These images may not be copied, reprinted, or used without explicit permission from MBARI. Members of the media needing higher-resolution versions should contact Kim Fulton-Bennett, kfb@mbari.org, 831-775-1835.
This photo, taken in the lab, shows a vampire squid swimming with one of its filaments extended (upper left corner).
Image credit: Kim Reisenbichler © 2005 MBARI.
This frame grab from video taken by one of MBARI's ROVs shows a vampire squid with its web open, revealing a bit of marine snow in its mouth (the white spot at center of arms). Other bits of marine snow appear as white specks in the water around the animal. The soft, finger-like projections on the animal's arms (cirri) may help the animal transfer food to its mouth.
Image credit: © 2011 MBARI
This close up view shows a vampire squid using its arms to scrape food off of one of its filaments.
Image credit: © 2008 MBARI
This frame grab from an underwater video shows a vampire squid in a typical feeding position, drifting horizontally in the deep sea with one of its filaments extended.
Image credit: © 2011 MBARI
This close up view shows a vampire squid with its feeding filament extended.
Image credit: © 2008 MBARI
A rear view of a vampire squid with its feeding filament extended.
Image credit: © 2010 MBARI
Vampire squids continue to amaze both researchers and the general public with their unusual appearance, adaptations, and survival strategies.
Image credit: © 2004 MBARI