Vampire Squid From Hell

It sounds like the name of a horror movie, but it’s real… the Vampire Squid from Hell really does exist! Now, if you can get past the name, your next question is likely to be – Vampires in the ocean?!  Answer:  Only kind of…no need for alarm just yet.  This oceanic creature that although not exactly a vampire, does take it’s name after vampires – is called the Vampire Squid.  Actually, the name is not just vampire squid – but more officially and formally, the creature’s name is actually Vampire Squid from Hell – a translation of its official name – Vampyroteuthis infernalis.

vampire squid from hell

The vampire squid from hell, although named after the famous undead bloodsuckers we know as vampires,  does not suck human blood as its namesake does.  Actually, the squids appearance might give some hint as to its name – it is a deep red color, and has octopus-like arms that can spread out, giving the appearance as though it has a cape (as vampires of old used to have).   And although both it’s description and name sound frightening (who wants to go into the ocean when there could be a vampire squid from hell swimming around?) it may ease your mind to know that these creatureslive in the very deepest parts of the ocean ( 2,000 – 3,000 meters underwater) where oxygen levels are very low and few creatures can survive. These squids are also actually very very small – averaging only about six inches in length.  What this means is that we’re all in luck – you are unlikely to ever come across a vampire squid from hell during any trip to the ocean.  Now, what are you chances of running across a vampire monkey?!