2o6 DISCOVERY REPORTS 



The only point of interest pertains to the shallowest depth at which the species may occur. In the 

 Atlantic the 'Dana' captured two specimens at St. 1322, one with a towline of 1600 m.w., the other 

 with 1900 m.w. In the Philippines Basin, at St. 3751, she took one specimen with a towline of only 

 1000 m.w. The 'Pawnee' took one Atlantic specimen with a towline of 1981 m.w. at St. 56, but this 

 is so close to 2000 that it may well be disregarded. The difficulty with all these records is the interpre- 

 tation. In the middle depths, with towlines of 2000-6000 m.w. it is probable that the approximate 

 depth of capture may be at one-half the length of the towline. With shorter lengths of cable the matter 

 becomes less certain and the 'Dana' considered that in shallower depths, with less than 1000 m.w., 

 a better estimate of fishing depth was at one-third the length of the cable. 



Using the deeper estimate we may say that previous records of Vampyroteuthis from shallower water 

 have been made at depths of 800-890 m. in the Atlantic Ocean, and 500 m. in the Philippines Basin. 

 If we convert these estimates to depths at one-third the length of the towline they become 533-660 m. 

 and 333 m. respectively. The data for the Discovery specimens would be more decisive, since depth 

 recorders were used, were it not for the fact that several of the nets were hauled to the surface without 

 closing. However, it is certain that specimen No. 96 was not taken below 700 m. and most probable 

 that it was captured at the depth of towing, 600-700 m. Similarly, specimen No. 97 could not have 

 been taken below 1000 m. and was probably taken between 800 and 1000 m. In the case of specimen 

 No. 98 the closing device operated successfully and we can definitely state that this animal was taken 

 between 1250 and 800 m. 



As far as the information goes it appears to indicate that previous estimates for shallow water 

 captures should be taken at half the length of the cable and that the species rarely if ever occurs above 



500 m. 



In regard to proximity to the bottom, it will be noted that all the Discovery specimens were taken 

 in middle depths over deep or very deep water. None could have been taken within even 1000 m. of 

 the bottom. 



Table 8. Summary of hydrogrophic data 



* That nearest to station of capture and at about same date unless otherwise indicated. Data from the Station Lists 

 {Discovery Reports, vol. I, 22 and 24). 



f The' specimen was taken at Stn 2080 in October 1937, the hydrographic data are for April 1937. 



