In the deepest, darkest parts of the ocean are otherworldly and sometimes nightmarish creatures that still remain a mystery even for scientists. While we’re grateful that we rarely have to cross with these animals, it’s also fascinating to get a peek at the remarkable beings that lurk below the ocean. Keep reading to see some of the strangest deep-sea creatures ever discovered.
The frilled shark is considered to be a “living fossil” because of its resemblance to its primitive ancestors. The eel-like fish sports 6 pairs of gills that run all the way across its throat.
These eerie creatures are part of an order of fish called chimaera, which have been around longer than dinosaurs. Their evolutionary line branched off from sharks 400 million years ago, placing them in their own category. Their large, creepy eyes can appear dead in water but glow when exposed to light
See those long canine-like teeth? They can crush the shells of mollusks, crabs and sea-urchins with ease. Atlantic wolffish live at depths of up to 2,000 feet off the coast of New England and can produce a natural antifreeze that keeps their blood flowing properly in freezing water.
Not much is known about this strange and elusive creature. There are goblin sharks as long as 13 feet (4 meters), though they may be able to grow much larger! Apart from their noticeably long snouts, goblin sharks have protruding mouths that are outfitted with several rows of teeth that can both catch prey and crush through shellfish.
ADVERT