Discovering the deep ocean has always been a challenging task. This year, scientists have uncovered some of the most bizarre and fascinating creatures in the depths of the ocean, further unraveling the mysteries of the underwater world. Here are 12 strange creatures that have been discovered in the deep ocean this year.
The Bioluminescent Octopus: A Light Show in the Depths
This new species of octopus discovered this year has fascinated scientists with its bioluminescence. The Bioluminescent Octopus can produce light patterns across its body that are believed to be used for communication and to attract prey. Its unique ability to illuminate the deep sea environment makes it a spectacle in the otherwise dark abyss.
The Fangtooth Fish: A Scary Sight in the Abyss
With its menacing fangs and ghostly appearance, the newly described Fangtooth Fish is a creature straight out of a horror film. Living in the deep, dark abyss of the ocean, this fish is aptly named for its large, sharp teeth and intimidating look. Despite its ferocious appearance, it is quite small and harmless to humans.
The Glass Sponge: A Transparent Wonder
The Glass Sponge is a unique creature that was discovered in the deep sea this year. Its transparent body reveals a delicate, intricate structure. More astonishingly, the Glass Sponge is a living testament to the wonders of evolution, with its skeleton made of silica providing support and protection in the hostile ocean depths.
The Enigmatic Sea Spiders: Walking on Ocean Floor
Sea Spiders are not actually spiders, but they sure look like them. These arthropods were found crawling on the deep ocean floor. Their bodies are reduced to almost nothing, with their guts and genitals located in their legs. Despite their strangeness, Sea Spiders play an important role in the deep-sea ecosystem, feeding on various marine life forms.
The Blob Sculpin: A Face Only a Mother Could Love
The Blob Sculpin, discovered this year, is a fish that’s not winning any beauty contests. With a bulbous, gelatinous body and a face that seems to be perpetually frowning, it’s been described as having a face only a mother could love. However, this unusual fish is fascinating to scientists for its ability to survive in the extreme conditions of the deep sea.
The Gigantic Isopod: The Underwater Roly-Poly
Gigantic Isopods are essentially underwater versions of roly-polies, but much larger. These newly discovered creatures can reach up to 14 inches in length and are found in the deepest parts of the ocean. Despite their size, they are harmless scavengers, feeding on the remains of dead animals that fall to the ocean floor.
The Comb Jelly: A Mesmerizing Deep-Sea Rainbow
The Comb Jelly is a creature that truly lights up the deep ocean. This newly discovered jelly is not a true jellyfish, but it is just as beautiful. It propels itself through the water with rows of cilia that refract light, creating a stunning rainbow effect that is mesmerizing to watch.
The Barreleye Fish: A Fish with a Transparent Head
The Barreleye Fish is a strange creature indeed. This fish features a completely transparent head, which allows it to look up through its skull to spot prey. Its barrel-shaped eyes can rotate within its clear head, providing it with an almost panoramic view of its environment.
The Deep-sea Hatchetfish: The Living Silver Blade
The Deep-sea Hatchetfish gets its name from its thin, flat body that resembles a hatchet. This fish has a unique ability to produce and manipulate light, allowing it to camouflage itself from predators. Its silvery body reflects light, making it appear invisible from certain angles.
The Ping Pong Tree Sponge: Nature’s Killer Rackets
The Ping Pong Tree Sponge is a unique creature that was recently discovered in the deep sea. This sponge has a unique hunting strategy, using its tree-like branches topped with tiny spheres to capture small creatures that swim into them. Once captured, the prey is slowly digested on the spot.
The Ghost Shark: An Ancient Wonder from the Deep
The Ghost Shark, or Chimaera, is an ancient species that has been around for hundreds of millions of years. This year, a new species of Ghost Shark was discovered in the deep ocean. With its long, pointed snout and wing-like pectoral fins, it is a fascinating addition to the list of strange deep-sea creatures.
The Atolla Jellyfish: A Living Firework Display in the Deep
The Atolla Jellyfish is a bioluminescent creature that puts on a show in the deep sea. When threatened, the jellyfish emits a series of flashes, creating a display reminiscent of a firework show. This “burglar alarm” display is intended to attract larger predators, hoping to scare off the jellyfish’s attacker.