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6 Crazy Looking Creatures Found Lurking In The Oceans

The ocean is the most mysterious and beautiful places on the planet, filled with an incredible array of aquatic creatures that range from the downright bizarre to the breathtakingly beautiful. While much of the ocean’s wildlife remains undiscovered, there are some creatures that have been found lurking in its depths that are nothing short of bizarre. From the “blob fish” to the “giant squid”, here are 6 of the craziest looking creatures found lurking in the ocean.

By CosmicPublished about a year ago 6 min read
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6 Crazy Looking Creatures Found Lurking In The Oceans
Photo by NASA on Unsplash

6 Red HandFish

The red handfish, the third of the Tasmanian species that is listed as critically endangered. Photograph: Rick Stuart-Smith.

Red handfish is a species of fish that is unique in its appearance and behavior. It is native to the waters of Tasmania, Australia, and is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and low population numbers. The red handfish is a small bottom-dwelling fish that has a reddish coloration with white spots on the sides. Its name comes from its distinctive shape, which resembles a hand with four distinct “fingers” extending from its body. Red handfish can reach lengths of up to about 7.5 cm (3 inches).

The red handfish is an interesting species in that it does not swim like other fish. Instead, it moves around using its fins to walk along the bottom of the ocean floor. This means they tend to be found in one place and rarely move around. They are also solitary creatures who do not form schools or groups.

The red handfish is considered critically endangered due to human activities such as fishing, pollution, and habitat destruction. As of 2020, there were only 20 known individuals left in the wild. Conservation efforts are underway to increase their population size and protect their remaining habitat. These include creating marine protected areas, increasing public awareness, and research into captive breeding programs.

5 BlobFish

Poor sad blobfish, voted the world’s ugliest animal. Wikimedia Commons

The blobfish is a deep-sea fish that has become an internet sensation in recent years. This fish lives in the deep waters off the coasts of Australia and Tasmania, and can reach depths of up to 3000 feet. The blobfish has a unique appearance thanks to its gelatinous body and lack of muscles, which allows it to float like a jellyfish instead of swimming. Its slimy, slimy skin helps it blend into its surroundings and protect it from predators. Despite its strange appearance, the blobfish is actually very gentle and harmless. It feeds on small crustaceans and other invertebrates found near the ocean floor and has no teeth or scales. In addition, the blobfish doesn't have a swim bladder, meaning it relies solely on its buoyancy for movement.

The blobfish has been threatened by commercial fishing in recent years and is now listed as vulnerable on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Fortunately, it has been protected by the Australian government since 2017, preventing it from being caught and sold as seafood. Despite this protection, however, the population of blobfish is still declining due to climate change and pollution. Conservationists are working hard to ensure that the blobfish continues to be a part of our oceans for years to come.

4 FangTooth

Image credit Citron / CC-BY-SA-3.0

The Fang Tooth Fish is a species of fish that belongs to the family Ostraciidae. It is found in tropical waters throughout the Indo-Pacific region and can grow up to 15cm in length. Its body is flat and oval-shaped with two large, sharp teeth protruding from its lower jaw. This fish has a unique coloration, ranging from white or yellow to brown or black, depending on the age and environment. The eyes are large, and it has an adipose fin located between the dorsal and caudal fins.

The Fang Tooth Fish is an omnivorous species that feeds on small crustaceans, worms, mollusks, and other invertebrates. It is also known to feed on smaller fish, including its own species. During mating season, the male will build a nest out of fine sand particles and attract a female to lay her eggs. Once the eggs have been laid, the male will then guard them until they hatch. The lifespan of the Fang Tooth Fish is thought to be around five years.

3 Viperfish

Closeup image of viperfish specimen head (Wikipedia Public Domain Image)

The viper fish is an interesting species of deep sea fish that is found in the depths of the world’s oceans. It has a long, slender body and large eyes that allow it to hunt for prey in the dark waters of the deep sea. The viper fish is equipped with large fangs, which it uses to attack its prey. Its diet consists mostly of small fish and crustaceans, which it swallows whole.

The viper fish is an important part of the oceanic food web, as it helps to control the population of smaller fish that live in the deep sea. Its unique physical characteristics make it well-suited to its environment. Its large eyes help it to detect prey in the darkness, while its powerful jaws and sharp teeth allow it to capture and consume them. In addition, its long, slim body helps it to navigate through narrow crevices in the ocean floor, where it can hide from predators.

2 Deep Sea Dragon Fish

Credit : David Baillot/UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering

Deep sea dragon fish, also known as Stomias boa, are small, deep-sea predators occurring in the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. They have a long, slender body with a large head and eyes that can produce its own light. This species has three long filaments on its chin and a sharp set of teeth that allow it to prey on smaller fish and invertebrates. It is believed that the light they produce helps them locate prey in the dark depths of the ocean.

These mysterious creatures typically live at depths below 600 meters and use their bioluminescence to attract their prey and communicate with other members of their species. Deep sea dragon fish are quite rare and little is known about their behavior or distribution. Scientists believe they may be important predators in the deep-sea food web, playing a key role in controlling populations of other animals in their habitat.

1 Giant Squid

Credits - SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Giant squid are the largest invertebrates in the world, growing up to 43 feet long. They live in the deep ocean and feed on fish and other sea creatures. They have eight arms and two longer feeding tentacles with suckers. Their eyes can reach up to 10 inches in diameter, making them the largest eyes among animals. They use their tentacles to capture prey, and they can even emit a powerful jet of water to move quickly through the water. Giant squid are mysterious creatures that continue to fascinate scientists around the world.

Despite their size, giant squid remain elusive and rarely seen by humans. They inhabit the deep, dark waters of the ocean, making it difficult for researchers to observe them in their natural habitat. However, bits and pieces of the giant squid's anatomy have been discovered washed up onto beaches, helping researchers learn more about these amazing creatures.

Conclusion

These are just some of the many strange and bizarre creatures found lurking in the depths of the ocean. From the adorable blobfish to the terrifying dragonfish, the oceans are full of unique and fascinating creatures. Every day, new creatures are being discovered in the ocean, so who knows what strange creatures may be lurking in the depths of the ocean yet to be discovered?

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About the Creator

Cosmic

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