Vampire squid taxonomy correction confirms single living species

Vampyroteuthis pseudoinfernalis, announced in 2024 as a second living vampire squid, has been re‑classified as a junior synonym of the original species, confirming that only one living member of the ancient order Vampyromorphida exists [1].

Taxonomic reversal explained

The 2024 discovery was based on a specimen from the South China Sea that displayed distinct beak shape, tail point, and photophore placement, and its mitochondrial COI and nuclear rDNA sequences appeared to form a separate monophyletic group [1]. Researchers hailed it as the first new living vampire squid species.

A 2026 follow‑up led by Smithsonian expert Michael Vecchione re‑examined a broader set of specimens, noting that the morphological differences fell within normal life‑stage variation and that soft‑bodied cephalopods often deform under capture pressure [1]. Adding extra genetic markers to the phylogenetic analysis showed no significant divergence, prompting the team to declare V. pseudoinfernalis a junior synonym of V. infernalis [1].

Implications for deep‑sea taxonomy

The episode underscores how limited sampling and single‑gene sequencing can produce premature taxonomic splits, especially for deep‑sea organisms that are hard to collect intact [1]. It also highlights the self‑correcting nature of scientific classification, where new data can overturn earlier conclusions.

What to watch

• Future deep‑sea expeditions that may uncover additional specimens for broader genetic testing.
• Advances in multi‑gene or whole‑genome sequencing that could refine cephalopod phylogenies.
• Any formal updates from taxonomic registries confirming the synonym status.

The correction reaffirms that Vampyroteuthis infernalis remains the sole extant representative of its ancient order, leaving open the question of whether other hidden deep‑sea lineages await discovery.