Divers exploring the deep dark depths of the Gulf of Mexico filmed a rarely observed and horrifying sight, an adult vampire squid.
The crew aboard EVNautilus made the discovery via a remotely-operated vehicle.
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The footage shows the vampire squid moving slowly, yet gracefully, in the gentle current. Stated Nautilus Live on its Facebook page: “We had a surprise visit from a Vampire Squid last night, perfect timing for the end of #Cephalopod week. Check out this eerie video as it drifts into the cameras of the ROV Hercules. Beautiful!” source
According to the Monterey Bay Aquarium, which last month acquired one of these amazing critters, vampire squid are an ancient species that possess characteristics of a squid and an octopus.