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The giant deep-sea octopus Haliphron atlanticus forages on gelatinous fauna.

ABSTRACT: Feeding strategies and predator-prey interactions of many deep-sea pelagic organisms are still unknown. This is also true for pelagic cephalopods, some of which are very abundant in oceanic ecosystems and which are known for their elaborate behaviors and central role in many foodwebs. We report on the first observations of the giant deep-sea octopus Haliphron atlanticus with prey. Using remotely operated vehicles, we saw these giant octopods holding medusae in their arms. One of the medusae could be identified as Phacellophora camtschatica (the egg-yolk jelly). Stomach content analysis confirmed predation on cnidarians and gelatinous organisms. The relationship between medusae and H. atlanticus is discussed, also in comparison with other species of the Argonautoidea, all of which have close relationships with gelatinous zooplankton.

SUBMITTER: Hoving HJ

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5366804 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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The giant deep-sea octopus Haliphron atlanticus forages on gelatinous fauna.

Hoving H J T HJ Haddock S H D SH

Scientific reports 20170327

Feeding strategies and predator-prey interactions of many deep-sea pelagic organisms are still unknown. This is also true for pelagic cephalopods, some of which are very abundant in oceanic ecosystems and which are known for their elaborate behaviors and central role in many foodwebs. We report on the first observations of the giant deep-sea octopus Haliphron atlanticus with prey. Using remotely operated vehicles, we saw these giant octopods holding medusae in their arms. One of the medusae coul ...[more]

PMID: 28344325

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