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. 10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1
Before downloading, please read NORA policies.Preview |
Text (Open Access)
© The Author(s) 2019. s41598-019-55719-1.pdf - Published Version Available under License Creative Commons Attribution 4.0. Download (2MB) | Preview |
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): | 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 |
Actions (login required)
View Item |
Document Downloads
Downloads for past 30 days
Downloads per month over past year