Vampire in the shadows: see the chilling moment this deep-sea denizen turns itself inside out

As if this body inversion manoeuvre wasn't surreal enough, the ‘vampire squid from hell’ also exudes a cloak of bioluminescent mucous from its crimson body to help deter predators.

The vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis) is a fascinating deep-sea creature known, among other things, for its unique ability to turn itself 'inside out'.

This unusual behaviour is a survival tactic used to protect itself from predators. When threatened, the cephalopod inverts its body, pulling its head into its mantle and covering itself with a film of bioluminescent mucous.

This inside-out manoeuvre exposes its spiny arms and makes it appear more threatening than it really is. Additionally, the vampire squid's dark, cloak-like webbing and reddish hues help it blend into its shadowy ocean environment.

Watch the vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis – the ‘vampire squid from hell’) turn itself 'inside out'/Getty

Main image: vampire squid/Getty

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Danny writes about wildlife, conservation and the environment.