Unbelievable Creatures Found In the Deep Sea Bed!

By Lakshan Wickrema
July 24, 2024
7:29 GMT-0830
Unbelievable Creatures Found In the Deep Sea Bed! (3)

The deep sea always fascinated the human mind. The sea bed is simply the ocean floors or ocean bottoms and is structured with tectonic plates. According to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (LOSC), the deep seabed is beyond national jurisdiction and is referred to as ‘the Area.’ In this area beyond 4000 meters below the surface, plants cannot grow. However, some nightmarish-looking creatures and unbelievable creatures are found in the deep sea Bed.

The deep sea is in perpetual darkness, and the pressure is enormous. In fact, the pressure is so high, that it can crush metals. Also, the deep sea is low in temperature and lacks nutrients. Over 400 species are found from the depths. These creatures have adapted to deal with this inhospitable environment. Most of them are also scavengers detritivores, that consume dead, dying flesh of animals, or decaying plant/animal material. Let’s dive in to find out more about them.

Who are the creatures from the deep

The deep sea can be divided into two levels. The abyssal and the Hadal Zone. The abyssal zone is 4000-6000 meters deep and the hadal zone is 6000- 11000 meters deep. Trenches like the famous Mariana Trench exist in the Hadal region. The deepest part of the ocean so far is found at the southern end of the Mariana Trench. Known as the “Challenger Deep,” this point runs to a depth of approximately 10,935 meters (35,876 feet).

Most of the animals inhabiting these parts are crustaceans, molluscans, and some bizarre types of fish. Let’s look at some of the more prominent examples.

Image source: Let’s talk science

Amphipods

Image source: Oceanographic ( New amphoid discovered in Mariana trench)

Amphipods, tiny flea-like crustaceans, dominate the hadal zone and reach depths of 9,100 meters. Their sizes range from 1 to 340 millimeters. Scientists think they are at the food chain’s bottom, serving as key sustenance for other deep-sea creatures.

These scavengers eat debris from above and sometimes attack each other. Their huge concentration in this zone suggests a significant role in the ocean’s ecosystem. The abundance of amphipods indicates they provide essential nourishment for many ocean dwellers.

One particular species of interest is the Alicella gigantea. While most of these amphipods are quite small, this species can reach up to 13 inches in length. Amphipods’ adaptability and presence in extreme depths showcase their importance in the marine food web.

Snailfish

Image source: CBS News ( Snailfish)

Snailfish dominate the Hadal Zone, living at 8,179 meters depth. These gelatinous, translucent fish reveal all their inner organs. Their cartilage skeletons help them survive high pressure. Snailfish also use trimethylamine oxide (TAMO) to stabilize proteins and cell membranes.

These adaptations showcase their ability to thrive in extreme depths, making them the deepest-living fish ever recorded.

Cusk-Eels

Image source: Owlcation ( cusk-eel)

Cusk-Eels are eel-like fish that live as deep as 8,370 meters. Though they look like eels and have “eel” in their name, they aren’t true eels. They belong to the Percomorpha clade, closely related to tuna, perch, and seahorses.

Alien-like Angler Fish

Image credit: Theodore W. Pietsch, University of Washington

This creature has a distinct appearance with its needle-like teeth and a pole-type structure coming from its head. It’s fair to say that it looks like an alien species than anything found here on Earth. This fish was discovered in the deep ocean beneath the Gulf of Mexico.

Known as Lasiognathus dinema, its curved appendage that sticks out of the organ at the tip of its “fishing rod,” has a light-producing bacteria. The fish trick the other fish attracted to light and nab its meals.

Rat-Tail Fish

Image source: Coffee and Creatures ( Rat-tail fish)

Also known as grenadiers, these fish live at 7,000 meters deep. Rat-tails have large mouths and tapering tails, giving them a giant tadpole appearance. They possess a well-developed sense of smell. They hunt by swallowing other fish and crustaceans while moving slowly along the ocean floor to conserve energy.

Giant Tubeworms

Image source: MBARI ( giant tubeworm)

The giant tube worm‘s scientific name is Riftia pachyptila. Scientists discovered these worms near hydrothermal vents. These vents, also called “black smokers,” release chemicals and minerals. The toxic soup from these vents is deadly to most animals. However, many animals thrive near these vents.

The giant tube worm lives in this harsh environment. These worms can grow over 8 feet long. They lack mouths and digestive tracts. Instead, they rely on bacteria for survival. The bacteria inside the worms provide necessary nutrients. This symbiotic relationship helps the worms survive in extreme conditions.

Black Dragon Fish

Image Source: Wix.com ( Black dragon fish)

Black dragonfish are long, thin animals right out of your nightmares. Females reach about 40 cm; males only 5 cm. Females are more vicious, with sharp teeth and tiny eyes. They use bioluminescence to lure prey. Females also have two lights on their bodies for navigation.

Male black dragonfish are much smaller. They lack a working gut, bio-luminescent chin, and teeth. Black dragonfish eat other fish. They are usually found in the hadal zone but occasionally in other deep-sea zones.

Adaptations to harsh living

The hadal zone, like the rest of the deep sea, lacks natural light. Food is scarce, and hydrostatic pressure increases by one atmosphere every 10 meters. These conditions create a challenging environment for life.

Animals in the hadal and abyssal zones resist extreme pressure with flexible cell membranes and proteins. They produce bio-luminescence to navigate and attract prey or mates. Their slow metabolism conserves energy in scarce food environments. Enhanced senses and specialized feeding help them detect minimal light and vibrations and find food.

Source: Schmidt Ocean

Conclusion

The deep sea’s mysterious creatures continue to fascinate and amaze us. Even with the extreme darkness and high pressure, these animals have found incredible ways to survive. From the tough amphipods to the interesting snailfish and giant tubeworms, each one is important to the ocean’s ecosystem. Exploring these hidden depths helps us learn more about marine life and shows us how resilient life can be.

Also read,