Deep Sea Creatures are organisms that live below the photic zone of the ocean. They live in very extreme conditions like bars of pressure, small amounts of oxygen, minimal food, no sunlight, and a very cold climate. Deep Sea Creatures depend on food floating down from above. Humans have explored less than 4% of the ocean floor, and new species are discovered with every dive. Extreme differences in the pressure between the sea floor and the surface makes the creature’s survival on the surface almost impossible. As a result, in-depth research is difficult, for the most useful information can be found when the creature is alive.

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.

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Deep Sea Creatures Guides
Browse through our curated Deep Sea Creatures Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Deep Sea Creatures. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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.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
Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)
Scale illustration of an average Seven-Arm Octopus compared to other cephalopod species

The Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) is one of the largest octopus species, following the Giant Pacific Octopus and appears to have only 7 arms. In reality, it is the male that has 1 arm in a coiled sac beneath the right eye and this arm is often overlooked. The Seven-Arm Octopus is typically found in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans and tends to stay at a water depth of 3,000 ft (914.4 m). Seven-Arm Octopuses are not picky and will generally eat anything in addition to crustaceans, fish, and bivalves. They are currently listed as least concern to extinction.

The Seven-Arm Octopus has an overall length between 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), mantle length of 15.75”-27.6” (40-70 cm), and weight of 135-165 lb (61-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Seven-Arm Octopus is between 2-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Seven-Arm Octopus
The Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus) is one of the largest octopus species, following the Giant Pacific Octopus and appears to have only 7 arms. In reality, it is the male that has 1 arm in a coiled sac beneath the right eye and this arm is often overlooked.

The Seven-Arm Octopus has an overall length between 9.5’-11.5’ (2.9-3.5 m), mantle length of 15.75”-27.6” (40-70 cm), and weight of 135-165 lb (61-75 kg). The typical lifespan of the Seven-Arm Octopus is between 2-10 years.

Series of elevation illustrations of the Seven-Arm Octopus
Seven-Arm Octopus (Haliphron atlanticus)
Height:
Width:
Length:
9.5’-11.5’ | 2.9-3.5 m
Depth:
Weight:
135-165 lb | 61-75 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 15.75”-27.6” | 40-70 cm

Scientific Name
Haliphron atlanticus
Lifespan
2-10 years

Drawings include:

Seven-Arm Octopus side elevation, front

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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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Crowned Jellyfish (Cephea cephea)
Measured comparison illustration of the size of a Crowned Jellyfish to a typical person and jellyfish

The Crowned jellyfish, known as Cephea cephea, is a crown jellyfish usually found in the cold water up to 3,000 feet below the surface in the Indo-Pacific ocean. The Crowned jellyfish is purple and blue in color, bioluminescent, and has the distinctive bell shape of crown jellies. The Crown jellyfish also has warts that protrude off its body. The Crowned jellyfish is one of the most venomous jellyfish, yet not to humans; therefore, it is eaten as a delicacy and even used medically in certain Asian countries. The Crowned jellyfish, like most other jellies, has tentacles that can be used to stun and capture its prey.

Crowned Jellyfish have a bell width between 9.84”-23.62” (25-60 cm), bell height of 8.7”-19.7” (22-50 cm), and overall length of 13”-30.7” (33-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crowned Jellyfish is 3-6 months with a weight between .04-.89 lb (.02-.4 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Crowned Jellyfish in front and side poses
The Crowned jellyfish, known as Cephea cephea, is a crown jellyfish usually found in the cold water up to 3,000 feet below the surface in the Indo-Pacific ocean. The Crowned jellyfish is purple and blue in color, bioluminescent, and has the distinctive bell shape of crown jellies.

Crowned Jellyfish have a bell width between 9.84”-23.62” (25-60 cm), bell height of 8.7”-19.7” (22-50 cm), and overall length of 13”-30.7” (33-78 cm). The typical lifespan of the Crowned Jellyfish is 3-6 months with a weight between .04-.89 lb (.02-.4 kg).

Scaled collection of drawings of Crowned Jellyfish in front and side poses
Crowned Jellyfish (Cephea cephea)
Height:
8.7”-19.7” | 22-50 cm
Width:
9.84”-23.62” | 25-60 cm
Length:
13”-30.7” | 33-78 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.04-.89 lb | .02-.4 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Cephea cephea
Lifespan
3-6 months

Drawings include:

Crowned 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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Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Glass Octopus compared to other cephalopods

The Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi) is a transparent almost colorless cephalopod and is often compared to a living glass sculpture. Their eyes are rectangular in shape and their translucent skin serves as a defense mechanism against possible predators. The Glass Octopus can be found throughout the world in almost all tropical and subtropical waters. They tend to stay in the water depths of between 656 ft (200 m) to 13,123 ft (4,000 m). This species of octopus is rarely encountered by humans thus it is one of the least studied cephalopods. It is assumed their diet is made up of fish and small crustaceans.

The Glass Octopus has an overall length between 15.75”-17.7” (40-45 cm), mantle length of 3.5”-4.7” (9-12 cm), and weight of .06-.07 lb (.025-.03 kg).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Glass Octopus
The Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi) is a transparent almost colorless cephalopod and is often compared to a living glass sculpture. Their eyes are rectangular in shape and their translucent skin serves as a defense mechanism against possible predators.

The Glass Octopus has an overall length between 15.75”-17.7” (40-45 cm), mantle length of 3.5”-4.7” (9-12 cm), and weight of .06-.07 lb (.025-.03 kg).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Glass Octopus
Glass Octopus (Vitreledonella richardi)
Height:
Width:
Length:
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm
Depth:
Weight:
.06-.07 lb | .025-.03 kg
Area:

Mantle Length: 3.5”-4.7” | 9-12 cm

Scientific Name
Vitreledonella richardi
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Glass Octopus side elevation, front

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