The vampire squid is around 15 cm in length and has the biggest pair of eyes (2.5 cm)when compared to the eye-to-body ratio of any other animal.

Light-producing organs called photophores cover its body giving the squid the unique ability to “turn itself on or off” at will. When the photophores are off, the squid is invisible.

The vampire squid’s arms are covered with sharp tooth-like spikes. One pair of arms can extend to twice the length of its body. It uses these to capture prey.

When threatened, the squid can draw its webbed arms up over itself and form a defensive covering around its body. It also releases mucus containing orbs of bright blue light to daze its enemy.

The vampire squid is a fast swimmer and is found throughout the world in mostly tropical and temperate regions at depths of about 900 metres.