Plunging into the depths of our planet’s oceans unveils a realm of otherworldly beings that look like bizarre aliens more than anything else. Deep-deep down below the surface, reality seems to blur with the surreal. From creatures with weird glowing appendages to those with eldritch-horror-esque features, the abyssal depths harbor the strangest inhabitants that challenge our understanding of life itself.
So, let’s descend into the mysterious world of deep-sea creatures, where survival of the fittest is the only thing that matters.
1. Starry sea wanderer (Marivagia stellata)
This gorgeous fellow is a brand new species of comb jellyfish discovered in the Mediterranean Sea. The name is derived from the Latin words “mari,” meaning “sea,” and “vagus,” which stands for “wanderer.” The “star” part was given to it for the spectacular star-burst pattern on the exumbrella.
2. Dumbo octopus (Grimpoteuthis spp.)
These cute deep-sea octopuses were discovered in various regions of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. They live on the ocean floor at insanely high depths of up to 13,000 feet.
3. Ocean sunfish (Mola mola)
Mola mola is known as the largest bony fish in the world, weighing between 250 and 1,000 kg. This big boy can grow up to 2m long and likes to chill in tropical waters, where its only predators are sharks, sea lions, and hungry humans.
4. Sarcastic Fringehead (Neoclinus blanchardi)
Who’s got a huge mouth and is constantly clapping fools on the ocean floor? It’s the “sarcastic fringehead,” of course! Why else would they name this small, aggressive fish guy like that?
5. Pancake batfish (Halieutichthys aculeatus)
As you can tell from its name, Pancake batfish is a flat, pancake-looking fish, but it’s also known for its unique appearance. They live on the bottom, covered in sand, feeding on clams, small crustaceans, worms, or even tiny fishes.
6. Squidworm (Teuthidodrilus samae)
A species that seems to combine a deep-sea worm and a squid was recently discovered near the Philippines. Aside from its terrifying appearance, however, the squidworms are very miniscule and feed on the “ocean snow,” which is just the bits and pieces that float down to the depths.
7. Barreleye fish (Macropinna microstoma)
The barreleye fish is a dopey-looking deep-sea monstrosity with transparent, fluid-filled domes on its head, allowing it to look at the ocean from a whole other perspective.
8. Yeti crab (Kiwa hirsuta)
The yeti crab was discovered near hydrothermal vents in the Pacific Ocean. Known for having “fur” on its claws and body, it’s no surprise that people want to pet them. However, in reality, it’s not actual fur; it’s bacteria and minerals from those deep-sea jacuzzi vents.
9. Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)
Goblin sharks are mysterious creatures that live over 1000 meters beneath the surface. They have pink skin and a unique appearance with a long, flat snout, and they can pop their jaws out like they’re giving their prey a kiss of death. It’s a horrifying view.
10. Bobbit Worm (Eunice aphroditois)
The most blood-chilling deep-sea creatures are the ones you can’t see until it’s too late. Growing up to 10 feet in length, these hellspawns strike their prey from down below and can break it in half with the force of their jaws.
