SCARY DEEP SEA CREATURES
Added on: 2nd Dec 2014
DRAGONFISH
Although they are found at depths of nearly 2km, the Dragonfish
actually starts its life at the surface of the ocean as a result of its egg
being buoyant. Like many other deep sea creatures, it eventually becomes
capable of producing its own light using a method known as bioluminescence
after which it descends to the depths. One of its many light producing
photophores can be found on a barbel attached to its lower jaw,
which it most likely uses for hunting.
FRILLED SHARK
Termed a living fossil, this seldom seen shark inhabits the depths
of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Scientists speculate that it captures its
prey by bending its body and lunging forward like a snake while
proceeding to swallow its victim whole.
VAMPIRE SQUID
With the largest eyes (proportionally speaking) of any animal in the world,
this deep sea creature is born to live in the depths. And no, it doesn’t
suck blood, in fact its tentacles barely have suckers at all. The name
actually comes from its intensely red eyes and cloak like webbing.
BIG RED JELLYFISH
This startlingly large jellyfish can grow to be over 1 meter in length
and as you may have deduced from the fairly straightforward name,
it carries a slight red coloration. Rather than tentacles this deep sea
jellyfish uses a series of fleshy “feeding arms” to capture its prey.
GIANT SQUID
Seldom seen by human eyes, the giant squid has for centuries been a
thing of legend. Dwelling deep beneath the waves its only real predator is
the sperm whale. In fact, the two are famous for their deep sea battles and
their carcasses are often found bearing the marks of mortal combat
on their bodies.
BLOBFISH
Primarily found in the deep water off of Australia and New Zealand the
Blobfish lives at depths of over 1200 meters. The pressure here is
several dozen times higher than at the surface and as a result its body
is little more than a gelatinous mass.
COFFINFISH
Resembling a pink, spine covered balloon these deep sea hunters are
something of a cross between Pufferfish and Anglerfish.
Although they lure their prey using a fleshy protrusion they are capable of
puffing themselves up when threatened.
GIANT ISOPOD
Unlike the other creatures on this list, the Isopod is permanently
constrained to creeping along the bottom of the ocean, primarily
the cold, dark waters of the North Atlantic and the Arctic Circle.
STARGAZER
With both their eyes and mouth located on top of their head,
these fish bury themselves in the sand and leap upwards to attack
their prey as it swims by. Moreover many species are electric and
capable of delivering lethal shocks.
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