Research on co-evolutionary behavior between large meso-pelagic squids and sperm whale

针对中层大型鱿鱼，我们研制了专用的水下摄像机和照明系统，在不干扰深海环境的情况下，利用水下摄像机和照明系统观察它们的自然行为。2011年，我们与NHK合作，首次在小笠原群岛附近的潜水器上成功观察并记录了活的巨型鱿鱼。另一方面，我们开发了多记录器系统和非常紧凑的水下相机，并将记录器和相机多次连接到抹香鲸上。记录仪和摄像机图像给了我们一个详细的潜水轨迹在3维的套管和抹香鲸的猎物鱿鱼狩猎行为推断。此外，我们还观察到了底栖食腐动物的聚集过程，并阐明了底栖食腐动物群落的化学引诱剂和时间演替。

Concerning to the mesopelagic large squids, we developed special underwater video camera and lighting system and utilized to observe their natural behavior without disturbing deep-sea environment. In 2011, we successfully observed and recorded live giant squid from submersible off Ogasawara Islands with cooperation of NHK for the first time. On the other hand, we developed multi-logger system and extraordinarily compact underwater camera and attached the logger and camera several times to sperm whales. The logger and camera images gave us a detailed diving trace in 3 dimensions by which casing and hunting behaviour of sperm whales to the prey squid were deduced. In addition, we observed a process of gathering benthic scavengers and clarified chemical attractant and temporal succession of benthic scavenger communities.