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.
This new species of lobster (Dinochelus ausubeli) is blind and has bizarre claws. It was discovered about 300 meters (984 feet) deep in the Philippine Sea by a Census of Marine Life expedition.
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.
Credit: Charles Fisher, Ridge 2000 Program/ChEss, Census of Marine Life
Bioluminescent Comb Jelly
A transparent body helps this tiny comb 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).
Credit: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life
Cockatoo Squid
This transparent cockatoo squid, or glass squid, retains liquids, giving it a balloon-like shape and helping it float.
Credit: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life
Red Mid-Water Comb Jelly
Like this comb jelly (Aulococtena acuminata), many midwater animals are red. Red is an easier pigment to produce than black, and in dark water, can't be seen.
Credit: Marsh Youngbluth/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life
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.
Credit: David Shale/MAR-ECO, Census of Marine Life
Comments
these are really creepy! :0
these are really creepy! :0
I hope i won't sea them any where but my dreams.
still, they are beautiful. :)
i would love to be able to go
i would love to be able to go to deep sea and sea (intentional misspelling) all of these creatures
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