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
Slender Snipe Eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Slender Snipe Eel compared to an average person and other eels

Until you take a closer look, you may assume the slender snipe eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus) as a ribbon or string because of its thin body resembling a thread. The fish is cataloged under the family Nemichthyidae with bird-like beak spotting curving tips which help it easily capture food. This true eel is light-weight, nocturnal, with eyes larger than its body size, and populates the bathypelagic and mesopelagic zones besides being the only creature with a backbone having more vertebrae. Its bird beak bore it the name deep-sea duck, and its anas evolved to the degree of being adjacent to the throat.

Slender Snipe Eels have a total length between 51”-79” (1.3-2 m0 and body height of 1”-1.6” (2.5-4 cm). The typical weight of the Slender Snipe Eel is in the range of .4-.5 lb (.17-.23 kg). Slender Snipe Eels have lifespans between 7-10 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Slender Snipe Eel
Until you take a closer look, you may assume the slender snipe eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus) as a ribbon or string because of its thin body resembling a thread. The fish is cataloged under the family Nemichthyidae with bird-like beak spotting curving tips which help it easily capture food.

Slender Snipe Eels have a total length between 51”-79” (1.3-2 m0 and body height of 1”-1.6” (2.5-4 cm). The typical weight of the Slender Snipe Eel is in the range of .4-.5 lb (.17-.23 kg). Slender Snipe Eels have lifespans between 7-10 years.

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Slender Snipe Eel
Slender Snipe Eel (Nemichthys scolopaceus)
Height:
1”-1.6” | 2.5-4 cm
Width:
Length:
51”-79” | 1.3-2 m
Depth:
Weight:
.4-.5 lb | .17-.23 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Nemichthys scolopaceus
Lifespan
7-10 years

Drawings include:

Slender Snipe Eel side elevation, side (perspective), 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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Atolla Jellyfish (Atolla wyvillei)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Atolla Jellyfish compared to other jellyfish and a person

The Atolla jellyfish, also known as Atolla wyvelli, is a deep-sea bioluminescent jellyfish. The Atolla jellyfish is a crown jellyfish and has about 20 tentacles of all equal length and then one longer tentacle it uses to capture prey. The Atolla jellyfish is named after Sir Charles Wyville Thomson, the lead scientist on the Challenger expedition. The Atolla jellyfish is also called the “alarm jellyfish” as it flashes its bioluminescent red when it is under attack in order to draw bigger predators to attack the creature it is under attack from. This “alarm” action has been mimicked by scientists in order to attract other deep sea creatures so they could be observed, such as the giant squid.

Atolla Jellyfish have a bell width between .79”-6.7” (2-17 cm), bell height of .79”-6.7” (2-17 cm), and overall length of 1.6”-13.8” (4-35 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atolla Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
The Atolla jellyfish, also known as Atolla wyvelli, is a deep-sea bioluminescent jellyfish. The Atolla jellyfish is a crown jellyfish and has about 20 tentacles of all equal length and then one longer tentacle it uses to capture prey. The Atolla jellyfish is named after Sir Charles Wyville Thomson.

Atolla Jellyfish have a bell width between .79”-6.7” (2-17 cm), bell height of .79”-6.7” (2-17 cm), and overall length of 1.6”-13.8” (4-35 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Atolla Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
Atolla Jellyfish (Atolla wyvillei)
Height:
.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
Width:
.79”-6.7” | 2-17 cm
Length:
1.6”-13.8” | 4-35 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Atolla wyvillei
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Atolla Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish (Lampocteis cruentiventer)
Dimensioned comparison drawing of the Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish compared to other jellyfish

The Bloodybelly Comb jellyfish, also known as Lampocteis cruentiventer, is a bioluminescent red jellyfish with a bloody red belly which most likely conceals it to predators. The Bloodybelly Comb jellyfish lives in the deep ocean in the oxygen minimum zone. Despite its bright red appearance, the Bloodybelly Comb actually blends into its surrounds as everything dark red that deep appears black. The Bloodybelly Comb is covered in tiny cilia which propel the jellyfish around. The Bloodybelly Comb is not yet on display in any aquariums in the United States and photos and videos have only been obtained through the use of remotely operated vehicles.

Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish have a bell width between .47”-3.94” (1.2-10 cm), height of .59”-6.3” (1.5-16 cm), and overall length of .59”-6.3” (1.5-16 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
The Bloodybelly Comb jellyfish, also known as Lampocteis cruentiventer, is a bioluminescent red jellyfish with a bloody red belly which most likely conceals it to predators. The Bloodybelly Comb jellyfish lives in the deep ocean in the oxygen minimum zone.

Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish have a bell width between .47”-3.94” (1.2-10 cm), height of .59”-6.3” (1.5-16 cm), and overall length of .59”-6.3” (1.5-16 cm).

Set of scaled elevation drawings of the Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish viewed from the front and side
Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish (Lampocteis cruentiventer)
Height:
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
Width:
.47”-3.94” | 1.2-10 cm
Length:
.59”-6.3” | 1.5-16 cm
Depth:
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Lampocteis cruentiventer
Lifespan

Drawings include:

Bloodybelly Comb Jellyfish side elevation, front, top

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Giant Tube Worm (Riftia pachyptila)
Scale illustration of an average Giant Tube Worm compared to other worm species

The Giant Tube Worm (Rifita pachyptia) is a marine invertebrate that lives on the floor of the Pacific Ocean near hydrothermal vents. These organisms can tolerate extremely high hydrogen sulfide levels. As they have no mouth and digestive tract, the Giant Tube Worm depends on bacteria that live inside them for their food. Their bright red plume is a specialized organ that is used to exchange compounds with the sea water. The outer tube is made from chitin, a tough substance that makes the exoskeleton of crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

The Giant Tube Worm has an overall length between 6.56’-9.84’ (2-3 m), diameter of 1.57”-1.97” (4-5 cm), and weight of .006-.09 lb (3-44 g). The typical lifespan of the Giant Tube Worm is between 100-300 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Giant Tube Worm
The Giant Tube Worm (Rifita pachyptia) is a marine invertebrate that lives on the floor of the Pacific Ocean near hydrothermal vents. These organisms can tolerate extremely high hydrogen sulfide levels. As they have no mouth and digestive tract, the Giant Tube Worm depends on bacteria.

The Giant Tube Worm has an overall length between 6.56’-9.84’ (2-3 m), diameter of 1.57”-1.97” (4-5 cm), and weight of .006-.09 lb (3-44 g). The typical lifespan of the Giant Tube Worm is between 100-300 years.

Series of top view illustrations of the Giant Tube Worm
Giant Tube Worm (Riftia pachyptila)
Height:
Width:
1.57”-1.97” | 4-5 cm (Diameter)
Length:
6.56’-9.84’ | 2-3 m
Depth:
Weight:
.006-.09 lb | 3-44 g
Area:
Scientific Name
Riftia pachyptila
Lifespan
100-300 years

Drawings include:

Giant Tube Worm top view (assorted)

Downloads

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