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Ocean Portal by The Smithsonian Institution

Deep Ocean Diversity

See some of the remarkable adaptations that deep-sea animals have evolved. Learn more about their habitat and how marine scientists research it in our Deep Ocean Exploration section.

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Blind Lobster

<p>This new species of lobster (<em>Thaumastochelopsis</em> sp.) is blind and has bizarre claws.</p>

Blind Lobster:

This new species of lobster (Thaumastochelopsis sp.) is blind and has bizarre claws.

CREDIT: Tin-Yam Chan/COMARGE Census of Marine Life

Zoanthids on Hydrothermal Vent

These are the first zoanthids (relatives of coral) recorded at a hydrothermal vent.

Zoanthids on Hydrothermal Vent:

These are the first zoanthids (relatives of coral) recorded at a hydrothermal vent.

CREDIT: Charles Fisher, Ridge 2000 Program/ChEss, Census of Marine Life

Comb Jelly

Photograph of a transparent comb jelly against a dark sea.

Comb Jelly:

A transparent body helps this tiny jelly (Bathocyroe fosteri) blend into the water.

CREDIT: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

Midwater Jellyfish

A fringe of tentacles surrounds the bell of this jellyfish (Halicreas minimum).

Midwater Jellyfish:

A fringe of tentacles surrounds the bell of this jellyfish (Halicreas minimum).

CREDIT: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

Cockatoo Squid

Photograph of a transparent polk-dotted squid in the dark ocean.

Cockatoo Squid:

This squid (Leachia sp.) retains liquids—giving it a balloon shape and helping it float.

CREDIT: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

Comb Jelly

Photograph of a translucent red-orange comb jelly against a black sea.

Comb Jelly :

Like this sea jelly (Aulococtena acuminata), many midwater animals are red.

CREDIT: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

Unidentified Comb Jelly

This jelly’s red color provides camouflage in the ocean depths.

Unidentified Comb Jelly:

This jelly’s red color provides camouflage in the ocean depths.

CREDIT: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

Jewel Squid

This jewel squid (Histioteuthis bonnellii) lives above the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

Jewel Squid:

This jewel squid (Histioteuthis bonnellii) lives above the Mid-Atlantic Ridge.

CREDIT: David Shale/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life

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Comments

Submitted by Anonymous on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 3:04pm.

these are really creepy! :0
I hope i won't sea them any where but my dreams.
still, they are beautiful. :)

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Submitted by Anonymous on Thu, 03/15/2012 - 12:14pm.

i would love to be able to go to deep sea and sea (intentional misspelling) all of these creatures

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