Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/107373
Title: The first global deep-sea stable isotope assessment reveals the unique trophic ecology of Vampire Squid Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda)
Authors: 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, José C. 
Issue Date: 13-Dec-2019
Publisher: Springer Nature
Project: SFRH/BPD/95372/2013 
FCT UID/MAR/04292/2019 
Serial title, monograph or event: Scientific Reports
Volume: 9
Issue: 1
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.
URI: https://hdl.handle.net/10316/107373
ISSN: 2045-2322
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55719-1
Rights: openAccess
Appears in Collections:I&D MARE - Artigos em Revistas Internacionais

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