Very little has changed in the vampire squid since it first appeared about 300 million years ago. The large eyes of the creature are required to see in the dark depths of the ocean it calls home. The eight arms of the vampire squid can curl around its body when it is frightened. This gives the squid the appearance of being inside out and the sudden change can help it avoid attack.

For more, visit National Geographic.

Here is a great video of oceanographer David Gallo revealing the incredible color-changing capabilities of octopuses, cuttlefish, and squids.

For more information, visit: http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/david_gallo_shows_underwater_astonishments.html