The ocean is only 5% discovered, which is such a minimal amount. Since a lot of what we know, and have experienced, is on the surface level, there is much to learn from near the ocean floor. Like what sort of deep ocean creatures are lurking beneath the water.
Similar to land, there are a lot of dangerous and unique creatures that are prowling the water, but just how strange are they when you look at the parts where there’s no light? Below are the 6 most interesting deep ocean creatures that you’ve probably never seen, or heard of before, from crazy shark and squid species to the most elusive jellyfish.
6. Sea Dragonfish
Dragonfish are number one on the deep ocean creatures list. Not to be confused with the freshwater aquarium species, this group of dee-sea fish is known for their scary appearance yet impressive ocean depths. They’re sized around 6 to 15 inches in length and have a dark appearance, ranging from black to brown, which helps them survive the depths.
They have fang-like teeth, and many have bioluminescent photophores along their body to attract prey and to help communicate. They live in a range of depths, from 2,300 feet to 6,560 feet deep, enjoying the high pressure, complete darkness, and low temperatures.
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5. Whale Shark
Sharks are a common animal that swim around the ocean. They’re usually talked about when thinking of ocean dangers and horror movie subjects in the water, but there are some deep ocean creatures that are part of the shark family. In fact, only recently have researchers learned more about these deep sea divers, known for going as low as 6,500 feet to hunt for food.
Research also found that night blindness that affects humans is seen in whale sharks, which helps them see at deep, dark depths where only blue light filters in. Unfortunately, due to their deep diving, several whale sharks, like other species in the water, are at risk for eating pollution, like plastic, and are considered endangered.
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4. Vampire Squid
The name itself is creepy, but so is the look. The vampire squid is one of the most fascinating deep ocean creatures that you probably haven’t seen before, as it’s not really a squid. Thanks to its unique characteristics sets it apart. While it has webbing between its arms and a pair of finds on its mantle, the fact that it has two long retractable filaments located between the first two pairs of arms sets itself apart from octopuses and squids.
The vampire squid uses its bioluminescent organs and its unique oxygen metabolism to thrive in deep parts of the ocean, around 3,000 feet. Another strange quality is its large eyes, which are clear enough that make it look like they’re glowing blue since they reflect the water surrounding it.
3. Goblin Shark
The goblin shark is one of the most terrifying deep ocean creatures around and is often called a “living fossil” as the lineage has been around for 125 million years. The goblin shark is recognizable thanks to its elongated, flat snout. The rare shark is known for going deep in the water, up to 4,200 feet.
While not as deep as its counterpart, the whale shark, it’s still one of the most interesting deep ocean creatures. Only in a 2016 study did the researchers capture a video of these sharks to start learning more about them, especially why they thrive in deep seas where food is usually scarce.
2. Dumbo Octopus
One of the best deep ocean creatures, and also the cutest, is the Grimpoteuthis, or simply the dumbo octopus. The name originates from, you guessed it, the 1941 Disney character, Dumbo, who is known for having two large ears. And this octopus is no different.
The octopus is a deep sea animal that can go to extreme depths, around 9,800 to 13,000 feet and is incredibly small, around 8 inches tall, that has a pair of fins located on their mantle that look like ears. These creatures are one of the deepest living octopuses known.
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1. Deep Sea Jellyfish
Jellyfish are enchanting creatures and strange ones. They don’t have a brain, but they do have a nervous system that spreads throughout their body where they can detect touch, temperature, and more. But while there are jellyfish throughout the ocean, the most crazy example of deep ocean creatures is the stygiomedusa, also known as the giant phantom jelly. They’re also incredibly rare, with only 110 sightings in 110 years.
These creatures are commonly found in the ocean’s midnight and twilight zones, usually around the depths of 21,867 feet, and insane depth. A sighting in 2021 showed a mesmerizing glimpse at these majestic creatures. They’re only 3 feet wide with a translucent body with a crimson-hued shadow along with four long tentacles that look like cloth.
