Marine Sci - Blog Posts

Crystal Jellyfish

Aequorea victoria

The Crystal Jellyfish is a graceful, transparent jellyfish with long, thin tentacles. It has bioluminescent organs around it bell that produce a bright, green light. It tends to consume small copepods, but it has the ability to swallow other jellyfish half its size. Furthermore, this jelly is used in biological experiments to detect calcium.

Photo credit: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/animals/animals-a-to-z/crystal-jelly

https://fineartamerica.com/featured/5-aequorea-crystal-jellyfish-with-amphipods-alexander-semenovscience-photo-library.html

Black Dragonfish

Idiacanthus atlanticus

The Black Dragonfish are needle-like fish that migrate between 500m and 2000m in the deep ocean. Females are black with 6 stripes and lack a barbel, pelvic fins, and sharp teeth. Males, on the other hand, are dark brown and have a barbel, which is the light producing structure on its chin. Furthermore, it uses bioluminescence to detect prey instead of lure prey.

Photo credit: https://scitechdaily.com/scientists-learn-secrets-from-ultra-black-skin-that-allows-deep-sea-fish-to-lurk-unseen/

https://steemit.com/life/@munnashah/the-most-terrible-and-surprising-7-animals-of-the-sea

https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/995601-thalassophobia

Wolftrap Angler

Thaumatichthys binghami

The Wolftrap Angler is slightly different from many other species of anglers. It has its bioluminescent lure located inside of its mouth instead of connected  to its body. Even though it is intimidating up close, it is only nine centimeters in size. It is found in the deep ocean at 2432m. 

Photo credit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaumatichthys_binghami

https://igniteyourcuriosity.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/anglerfish/

Spookfish

Winteria telescopa

The Spookfish’s eyes act as a telescope and are designed to maximize light in the deep ocean. Its eyes contain rod cells that help distinguish between ambient light and bioluminescent light. This adaptation helps avoid predators and catch prey.  

Picture Credit: https://www.natureplprints.com/deep-sea/deep-sea-fish-winteria-telescopa-15230734.html

Pacific Viperfish

Chauliodus macouni

The Pacific Viperfish looks intimidating with its sharp, pointy teeth and large jaws. However, its body is small and elongated. It can be found at depths ranging from 250m to 4390m. The Pacific Viperfish long teeth are an unique adaptation designed to keep prey trapped, but it is dangerously close to its eyes. There have been instances when they have caught prey that are too large to swallow and it dies along with its last meal. The Pacific Viper also has photophores along its body and a light organ near its dorsal fin. These organs exhibit bioluminescence and help with attracting pray: as well as, communicating with mates and confuse predators. It is one of the most ferocious predators of the deep ocean. 

Photo credit: https://www.science-rumors.com/top-20-pacific-viperfish-facts-to-know-what-this-creature-is/

 https://goldfisho.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-viperfish/