Forget what you think you know about life underwater. In the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean are otherworldly and sometimes nightmarish creatures that still remain a mystery even for scientists. While we’re grateful that we rarely have to cross with these animals, it’s also fascinating to get a peek at the remarkable beings that lurk below the ocean. Keep reading to see some of the strangest deep-sea creatures ever discovered.
15. Blobfish
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Dubbed “the world’s ugliest animal,” this sad-looking fish gets its name from its gelatinous body, which is less dense than water and allows it to float effortlessly. Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) live in waters near Australia and New Zealand between 2,000-4,000 feet, where the pressure is up to 120 times higher than it is at sea level. The fish’s lack of muscles and buoyant body is perfect for that environment — it only gets its droopy look once it has been removed from the water.
It probably looks closer to this in its natural habitat:
Image via Wikimedia Commons
14. Frilled Shark
Image: Citron via Wikimedia Commons/ CC-BY-SA-3.0
The frilled shark is considered to be a “living fossil” because of its resemblance to its primitive ancestors. The eel-like fish sports 6 pairs of gills that run all the way across its throat.
With 300 razor-sharp teeth and the ability to swallow prey whole, it’s a good thing they’re usually confined to depths of up to 5,000 feet — so most humans will never run into one of these creatures.
13. Dumbo Octopus
Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration & Research via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Named after the Disney elephant, these octopuses have a pair of giant protruding fins, which they use to propel themselves upward, while their umbrella-like arms help them steer.
Living at depths of at least 13,000 feet, they are the deepest-living octopus species ever observed. There are at least 15 species of Dumbo octopuses.
12. Ghost Shark
Image: NOAA Ocean Exploration & Research via Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)
These eerie creatures are part of an order of fish called chimaera, which have been around longer than dinosaurs. Their evolutionary line branched off from sharks 400 million years ago, placing them in their own category. Their large, creepy eyes can appear dead in water but glow when exposed to light. They live in deep waters and are rarely seen – though one was recently captured on film! (see below).
11. Atlantic Wolffish
Image via Wikimedia Commons
See those long canine-like teeth? They can crush the shells of mollusks, crabs and sea-urchins with ease. Atlantic wolffish live at depths of up to 2,000 feet off the coast of New England and can produce a natural antifreeze that keeps their blood flowing properly in freezing water.
Sadly, they are under threat due to commercial fishing practices that are wiping out populations and destroying their natural habitat.
10. Anglerfish
Image via Wikimedia Commons
Named after their distinctive method of hunting, anglerfish have a built-in fishing rod-like appendage that dangles from their heads and emits light to lure other fish within eating range.
But here’s the really weird part — in order to survive, some male anglerfish must find a female that they can attach themselves to for life. The whole process basically turns him into a parasite that earns his keep by impregnating the female when she’s ready.
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