Creatures of the Deep: Life at the Ocean Floor

Anglerfish have a bioluminescent lure called an esca on their heads to draw prey in the deep sea’s darkness.

Giant tube worms rely on symbiotic bacteria to convert vent chemicals into energy thriving without digestion.

The giant isopod a deep-sea scavenger exhibits gigantism and lives at depths up to 7000 feet.

The abyssal zone cold and dark hosts adapted creatures like sea cucumbers despite crushing conditions.

The fangtooth’s large teeth relative to its body allow it to capture scarce prey in the deep sea.

Chemosynthesis uses chemicals like hydrogen sulfide to produce energy fueling vent communities without sunlight.

Giant sea spiders with legs up to a foot wide crawl the abyssal floor feeding on small prey.

The pelican eel’s massive expandable mouth lets it engulf prey bigger than itself at depths up to 9000 feet.

The bloodybelly comb jelly’s red hue appears black in the deep where red light doesn’t penetrate hiding it.

At East Pacific Rise vents tube worms were found in subseafloor caves showing interconnected ecosystems.