Octopoteuthis deletron
Octopoteuthis deletron is a species of squid in the genus Octopoteuthis of the family Octopoteuthidae. They belong to the pelagic squids of order Oegopsida. Found at depths of in the Pacific Ocean, they have been known to grow to.
Biology
Trophic ecology
This species is described as an inactive predator, having a lower metabolism and relying on ambush, though members of this genus are higher in trophic level than glass squids and active hunters like Todaropsis eblanae.O. deletron has been found to break off its arms as a defense strategy. The squid digs hooks in one of its arms into a predator and jets away, leaving the arm in the predator's skin.
O. deletron are the most common species found in the stomachs of northern [elephant seal]s sampled off the coast of California. It is an important prey item of the giant grenadier. It is also eaten by the enigmatic Perrin's beaked whale.