Deep Sea Creatures

Deep Sea Creatures

Description
Description

Deep sea creatures inhabit the vast, dark depths of the ocean beyond the reach of sunlight, typically below 200 meters. This mysterious realm, comprising about 95% of the living space on Earth, is characterized by extreme conditions such as intense pressure, frigid temperatures, and total darkness. Despite the harsh environment, a surprising diversity of life thrives here, from bioluminescent jellyfish to bizarre-looking fish and giant squid. These organisms have evolved unique adaptations like light-producing organs and specialized pressure-resistant structures. Deep sea exploration is challenging, and much of this habitat remains unexplored, making these creatures some of the most enigmatic on the planet.

Anatomy
Anatomy

Deep sea creatures possess remarkable anatomical adaptations to survive the crushing pressure and darkness. Many have soft, flexible bodies to withstand pressure changes. Bioluminescence is common, used for attracting prey or communicating. Some have enlarged eyes to capture the faintest light, while others are blind, relying on other senses like touch and smell. Movement varies: some drift passively, while others are active swimmers with strong muscles. Speech is absent, but some may use vibrations or light signals to interact. Pressure-resistant enzymes and proteins ensure their bodily functions continue despite the extreme conditions of their environment.

Human Interaction
Human Interaction

The relationship between humans and deep sea creatures is largely one of curiosity and scientific discovery. These mysterious beings have captured human imagination, inspiring myths, movies, and literature, from the Kraken to "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea." Scientific expeditions to the deep ocean are relatively recent, driven by advances in technology.

While direct interaction is limited due to the depths these creatures inhabit, human activities like deep-sea mining and pollution increasingly threaten their environments. Conservation efforts are challenging due to the inaccessibility but are crucial and include protecting habitats through marine reserves and regulating deep-sea exploitation.

Common Questions
Common Questions
How do animals survive in the deepest parts of the ocean?

Animals survive in the deepest parts of the ocean through the physical adaptions of their body. Animals that live within the deepest parts of the ocean are very small, need less to eat, and grow very slowly. Animals that live in this habitat also can withstand very cold temperatures that don’t affect them.

How do deep sea creatures see?

Deep sea creatures see by through their sensitive eyes that can see a range of color hues in almost complete darkness. Deep sea creatures have much more sensitive eyes than human beings do in lower light. Their eyes have light-sensitive proteins that let the retina’s rod cells detect light.

How do deep sea animals survive pressure?

Deep sea animals survive pressure through adaptations in their bodies that include structure, proteins, as well as cell membranes that allow them to withstand the pressure and darkness. Also, creatures that live in the deep sea do not have air sacs in their bodies which prevents them from being crushed by the pressure of the ocean.

Animals

* Under Development *

.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
1.6”-13.8” | 4-35 cm
Atolla Jellyfish
17.000
17.000
35.000
1200
GUIDE
3D
Atolla Jellyfish
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
.47”-3.94” | 1.2-10 cm
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish
16.000
10.000
16.000
100
GUIDE
3D
Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish
6.3”-8.3” | 16-21 cm
.88-1.3 lb | .4-.6 kg
15-20 years
Chambered Nautilus
21.000
0.600
20.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Chambered Nautilus
8.7”-19.7” | 22-50 cm
9.84”-23.62” | 25-60 cm
13”-30.7” | 33-78 cm
.04-.89 lb | .02-.4 kg
3-6 months
Crowned Jellyfish
50.000
60.000
78.000
0.400
0.50
5
GUIDE
3D
Crowned Jellyfish
.3”-.63” | .8-1.6 cm
.39”-.79” | 1-2 cm
.67”-1.34” | 1.7-3.4 cm
Darth Vader Jellyfish
1.600
2.000
3.400
40
GUIDE
3D
Darth Vader Jellyfish
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
2-13 lb | .9-5.9 kg
3-5 years
Dumbo Octopus
30.000
5.900
5.00
94040
GUIDE
3D
Dumbo Octopus
3’-5’6” | .91-1.68 m
33’-46’ | 10-14 m
440-2,000 lb | 200-907 kg
2-5 years
Giant Squid
168.000
1400.000
907.000
5.00
88000
GUIDE
3D
Giant Squid
1.57”-1.97” | 4-5 cm (Diameter)
6.56’-9.84’ | 2-3 m
.006-.09 lb | 3-44 g
100-300 years
Giant Tube Worm
5.000
300.000
0.044
300.00
4700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Tube Worm
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
Glass Octopus
45.000
0.030
14800
GUIDE
3D
Glass Octopus
5’-12.5’ | 1.5-3.8 m
330-463 lb | 150-210 kg
30-35 years
Goblin Shark
380.000
210.000
35.00
82000
GUIDE
3D
Goblin Shark
13’-18’ | 4-5.5 m
2000-2700 lb | 907-1225 kg
Unknown
Megamouth Shark
550.000
1225.000
28000
GUIDE
3D
Megamouth Shark
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
2.95”-3.94” | 7.5-10 cm
6.7”-9.1” | 17-23 cm
Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish
13.000
10.000
23.000
5
GUIDE
3D
Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
135-165 lb | 61-75 kg
2-10 years
Seven-Arm Octopus
350.000
75.000
10.00
1300
GUIDE
3D
Seven-Arm Octopus
1”-1.6” | 2.5-4 cm
51”-79” | 1.3-2 m
.4-.5 lb | .17-.23 kg
7-10 years
Slender Snipe Eel
4.000
200.000
0.230
10.00
450
GUIDE
3D
Slender Snipe Eel
Megamouth Shark
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Megamouth Shark compared to an average person

The Megamouth Shark (Megachasma Pelagios) is a deep-water shark that is distinguished by its large head and mouth with rubber-like lips. It is the smallest of the filter-feeding sharks, following the Whale Shark and Basking Shark. Megamouth sharks are not typically seen as they live anywhere between the water surface and the deep-sea floor.

They live the in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans and have been mostly found in Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. Megamouth sharks generally eat plankton, shrimp, copepods, pelagic jellyfish. Their life expectancy is not known, but it is believed their age can be determined by counting the growth rings on their vertebrae.

Megamouth Sharks have a total length between 13’-18’ (4-5.5 m) and an overall weight in the range of 2000-2700 lb (907-1225 kg). The lifespan of the rare Megamouth Shark is still unknown.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Megamouth Shark
The Megamouth Shark (Megachasma Pelagios) is a deep-water shark that is distinguished by its large head and mouth with rubber-like lips. It is the smallest of the filter-feeding sharks. Megamouth sharks are not typically seen as they live anywhere between the water surface and the deep-sea floor.

Megamouth Sharks have a total length between 13’-18’ (4-5.5 m) and an overall weight in the range of 2000-2700 lb (907-1225 kg). The lifespan of the rare Megamouth Shark is still unknown.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Megamouth Shark
Megamouth Shark
Height:
Width:
Length:
13’-18’ | 4-5.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
2000-2700 lb | 907-1225 kg
Area:
Speed
Scientific Name
Megachasma pelagios
Lifespan
Unknown

Drawings include:

Megamouth Shark side elevation, side (perspective), front, top

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Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)
Size comparison illustration of a Giant Squid compared to a scuba diver with overall length dimensions

The Giant squid, considered to be the largest living invertebrate, is a cephalopod that finds its habitat in temperate to subtropical marine waters. Due to it being a deep-ocean dweller, the giant squid can grow to an enormous size. It is characterized by having a head, a mantle with two large fins attached, eight arms, and two tentacles. Suckers can be found on the tentacles and are used to catch prey while its large eyes are thought to aid it in discerning the shapes of nearby predators. In pop culture, the giant squid is depicted as a menacing sea monster.

Giant Squids have a broad overall length between 33’-46’ (10-14 m) and a width of 3’-5’6” (.91-1.68 m). An average Giant Squid weighs between 440-2,000 lb (200-907 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 2-5 years.

Side elevation drawing of a Giant Squid in a swimming posture
The Giant squid, considered to be the largest living invertebrate, is a cephalopod that finds its habitat in temperate to subtropical marine waters. The giant squid can grow to an enormous size and is characterized by having a head, a mantle with two large fins, eight arms, and two tentacles.

Giant Squids have a broad overall length between 33’-46’ (10-14 m) and a width of 3’-5’6” (.91-1.68 m). An average Giant Squid weighs between 440-2,000 lb (200-907 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 2-5 years.

Side elevation drawing of a Giant Squid in a swimming posture
Giant Squid (Architeuthis dux)
Height:
Width:
3’-5’6” | .91-1.68 m
Length:
33’-46’ | 10-14 m
Depth:
Weight:
440-2,000 lb | 200-907 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Architeuthis dux
Lifespan
2-5 years

Drawings include:
Giant Squid floating elevation, swimming

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Darth Vader Jellyfish (Bathykorus bouilloni)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Darth Vader Jellyfish compared to other jellyfish

The Darth Vader jellyfish, known scientifically as Bathykorus bouilloni, despite being affectionately nicknamed Darth Vader jellyfish, is actually a hydrozoan found in the deep sea in the Arctic. The Darth Vader jellyfish is a very small, transparent light blue organism that lives at depths more than 3,300 feet below sea level. The Darth Vader jellyfish has a helmet shaped cap, thus giving it its moniker, with four long tentacles protruding from the top of the cap and four, short, secondary tentacles extending from the bottom. Due to the depths at which this creature lives, the Darth Vader jellyfish has yet to be observed with the human eye and is monitored only by remote operated vehicles.

Darth Vader Jellyfish have a bell width between .39”-.79” (1-2 cm), bell height of .3”-.63” (.8-1.6 cm), and overall length of .67”-1.34” (1.7-3.4 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Darth Vader Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
The Darth Vader jellyfish, known scientifically as Bathykorus bouilloni, despite being affectionately nicknamed Darth Vader jellyfish, is actually a hydrozoan found in the deep sea in the Arctic. The Darth Vader jellyfish is a very small, transparent light blue organism with a helmet shape.

Darth Vader Jellyfish have a bell width between .39”-.79” (1-2 cm), bell height of .3”-.63” (.8-1.6 cm), and overall length of .67”-1.34” (1.7-3.4 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Darth Vader Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
Darth Vader Jellyfish (Bathykorus bouilloni)
Height:
.3”-.63” | .8-1.6 cm
Width:
.39”-.79” | 1-2 cm
Length:
.67”-1.34” | 1.7-3.4 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Bathykorus bouilloni
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Darth Vader Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish (Pandea rubra)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish to other jellyfish

The Red Paper Lantern jellyfish, known scientifically as Pandea rubea, is not a true jellyfish, but rather a hydrozoan that resembles a jellyfish in appearance that lives in the deep ocean. The Red Paper Lantern jellyfish has a cap that resembles a red paper lantern that crinkles and extends in order to propel itself. The Red Paper Lantern is found in the cold, deep, dark ocean waters in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Southern Ocean in Japan. The Red Paper Lantern jellyfish provides a home to other deep sea critters, such as sea spiders, amphipods, and even other, smaller, jellyfish.

Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish have a bell width between 2.95”-3.94” (7.5-10 cm), bell height of 3.5”-5.1” (9-13 cm), and overall length of 6.7”-9.1” (17-23 cm).

Scaled collection of drawings of Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish in front and side poses
The Red Paper Lantern jellyfish, known scientifically as Pandea rubea, is not a true jellyfish, but rather a hydrozoan that resembles a jellyfish in appearance that lives in the deep ocean. The Red Paper Lantern jellyfish has a cap that resembles a red paper lantern that crinkles and extends.

Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish have a bell width between 2.95”-3.94” (7.5-10 cm), bell height of 3.5”-5.1” (9-13 cm), and overall length of 6.7”-9.1” (17-23 cm).

Scaled collection of drawings of Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish in front and side poses
Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish (Pandea rubra)
Height:
3.5”-5.1” | 9-13 cm
Width:
2.95”-3.94” | 7.5-10 cm
Length:
6.7”-9.1” | 17-23 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Pandea rubra
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Red Paper Lantern Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis bathynectes)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Dumbo Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis) is a cephalopod that was named after its resemblance to Disney’s Dumbo character. There are about 13 species of Dumbo Octopuses. The Dumbo Octopus has two ear-like fins that extend from each eye and a bell-shaped body with a pale coloring. Dumbo Octopuses live all over the world at extreme depths of up to 13,000 ft (3,962 m) below the surface, and hover over the seafloor. Their diet consists of snails, worms, crustaceans, and copepods. Dumbo Octopuses do not ink like other as they don’t need defense in their environment. They are currently not in danger of extinction.

The Dumbo Octopus has an overall length between 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm), mantle length of 3.94”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and weight of 2-13 lb (.9-5.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Dumbo Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Dumbo Octopus
The Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis) is a cephalopod that was named after its resemblance to Disney’s Dumbo character. There are about 13 species of Dumbo Octopuses. The Dumbo Octopus has two ear-like fins that extend from each eye and a bell-shaped body with a pale coloring.

The Dumbo Octopus has an overall length between 7.9”-11.8” (20-30 cm), mantle length of 3.94”-4.7” (10-12 cm), and weight of 2-13 lb (.9-5.9 kg). The typical lifespan of the Dumbo Octopus is between 3-5 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Dumbo Octopus
Dumbo Octopus (Grimpoteuthis bathynectes)
Height:
Width:
Length:
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm
Depth:
Weight:
2-13 lb | .9-5.9 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 3.94”-4.7” | 10-12 cm

Scientific Name
Grimpoteuthis bathynectes
Lifespan
3-5 years

Drawings include:

Dumbo Octopus side elevation, front

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