Sea Elephant

Periphyllopsis braueri

The  Periphyllopsis braueri is a tiny, deep sea jellyfish that is only 6 cm in diameter. It is red-chocolate  in color, and it has eight gonads. Furthermore, it is found at depths between 600m to 1000m. 

Photo credit: https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/explorations/19gulfofalaska/logs/aug2/aug2.html

Googly-eyed glass squid

Teuthowenia pellucida

The Googly eyed squid is a rare oddity that is found in the southern hemisphere. It has a large, spherical head that is filled with water and teeny, tiny tentacles that help propel it through the water. If it comes across a predator, it deflates its head and draws its tentacles into its cavity. On the other hand, it may also fill the cavity with water to increase its size, and intimidate the predator. If all fails, it will ink and try to escape through the darkness. Furthermore, baby squids can be found at the surface (0-600m); then slowly migrate downwards as they mature into adults (1600-2500m). 

Photo credit: http://animaladay.blogspot.com/2011/07/googly-eyed-glass-squid.html

https://faunafabula.tumblr.com/post/5999675353/googly-eyed-glass-squid-teuthowenia-pellucida

Cockatoo Squid

Galiteuthis phyllura

The Cockatoo squid is a highly-specialized oddity of the deep ocean and found at depths between 300 to 1400 m. It is completely transparent, except for its eyes. It also has bioluminescent photophores that are directed downward: this makes it difficult for deep sea predators to see the Cockatoo Squid. It was named after the Cockatoo because it holds its tentacles above its head, resembling the bird. The Cockatoo squid can also get fairly large with adults reaching lengths of 2.7 meters (over 6 ft.) 

Photocredit: https://www.americanscientist.org/article/at-home-in-the-dark

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/28710516347382519/

Physonect Siphonophore

Nanomia cara

The Physonect siphonophore has tiny, bubble shaped sacs that are filled with gas. The sacs are called pneumatophores and help this creature move through the deep ocean. It also has venomous tentacles that stun prey and over eighty stomachs. There are numerous amounts of these strange creatures along the east coast, and they have cause some fisheries to collapse. Furthermore, they can be found at depth between 400m to 1000m.  

Photo credit: http://www.seawater.no/fauna/cnidaria/cara.html

https://www.mindenpictures.com/stock-photo-siphonophore-hydrozoan-cnidarian-nanomia-cara-atlantic-nectophores-naturephotography-image90194961.html

Threadfin Snailfish

Careproctus longifilis

The Threadfin Snailfish resembles a prehistoric tadpole that is ghostly white. The holes in its face are large sensory pores that help them detect changes in the ocean. It is often found at depths between 1900 to 2997 meters. 

Photo credit: https://www.timeout.com/singapore/museums/creatures-of-the-deep

Squarenose Helmetfish

Scopelogadus beanii

The Squarenose Helmetfish is found between 800m to 4000m in the ocean. It received this unique name due to its scales reminding scientists of an armored helmet worn by medieval knights. It also has unusual holes around its face, and the white strands covering its face are sensory canals. 

Photo credit: https://www.vistaalmar.es/especies-marinas/peces-extranos/449-que-peces-mas-extranos.html

Wake up babe new fish dropped

Wolftrap Angler

Thaumatichthys binghami

The Wolftrap Angler is slightly different from many other species of anglers. It has its bioluminescent lure located inside of its mouth instead of connected  to its body. Even though it is intimidating up close, it is only nine centimeters in size. It is found in the deep ocean at 2432m. 

Photo credit

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thaumatichthys_binghami

https://igniteyourcuriosity.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/anglerfish/

Blacksnout Seasnail

Paralipparis copei copei

The Blacksnout Seasnail may not look like a snail, but it does have a slimy, gelatinous substance that covers its body. It can be found at depths between 200 m to 1692 m, and adults grow up to be 17 cm in size (approximately 6.5 in). It also has an elongated body that resembles an eel. Furthermore, it can be seen rolling itself in a loop; this behavior is a defensive posture that makes it appear like a jelly. In the darkness, predators tend to avoid the Blacksnout Seasnail because its often mistaken as a hunter due to its appearance and behavior.

Vampire Squid

Vampyroteuthis infernalis

Even though the Vampire Squid is named after a notorious monster, this gentle creature does not live up to its name. It is only a foot long and occupies depths between 650m to 1500m in the deep ocean. Unlike other squids, it has reduced musculature and collects particles in the water column. However, it is capable of huge bursts of speeds. It uses bioluminescence to confuse both predators. 

Photo credit: https://ocean.si.edu/ocean-life/invertebrates/vampire-squid-hell