Alexey V. Golikov, Filipe R. Ceia, Rushan M. Sabirov, Jonathan D. Ablett, Ian G. Gleadall, Gudmundur Gudmundsson, Hendrik J. Hoving, Heather Judkins, Jónbjörn Pálsson, Amanda L. Reid, Rigoberto Rosas-Luis, Elizabeth K. Shea, Richard Schwarz, José C. Xavier,
2019
Publicado con arbitraje
The first global deep-sea stable isotope assessment reveals the unique trophic ecology of Vampire Squid Vampyroteuthis infernalis (Cephalopoda)
9
2045-2322
CIENCIAS DE LA VIDA
BIOLOGIA ANIMAL Y ZOOLOGIA
ECOLOGIA ANIMAL
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 ?15N and TL. Our results, presenting the first global comparison for a deep-sea invertebrate, demonstrate that V. infernalis has an ontogenetic decrease in ?15N 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.