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

Golikov, Alexey V.; Ceia, Filipe R.; Sabirov, Rushan M.; Ablett, Jonathan D.; Gleadall, Ian G.; Gudmundsson, Gudmundur; Hoving, Hendrik J.; Judkins, Heather; Pálsson, Jónbjörn; Reid, Amanda L.; Rosas-Luis, Rigoberto; Shea, Elizabeth K.; Schwarz, Richard; Xavier, Jose C. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9621-6660. 2019 The first global deep-sea stable isotope assessment reveals the unique trophic ecology of Vampire Squid Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda). Scientific Reports, 9 (1), 19099. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1

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Official URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-55719-1

Abstract/Summary

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.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1
ISSN:	2045-2322
Date made live:	18 Dec 2019 09:57 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/526289

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1

ISSN:

2045-2322

Date made live:

18 Dec 2019 09:57 +0 (UTC)

URI:

https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/526289