Scientists have explored less than three per cent of the ocean floor, and dozens of new species of deep sea creatures are discovered with every dive. In addition to several amazing treasures and mineral deposits, the underwater is home to astonishing creatures, many of which you never knew existed. Our selection of 10 of these beautiful creatures below will certainly fascinate you.
Macropinna Microstema
Macropinna Microstema was not discovered by scientists until 1939. This awesome fish has a transparent head through which the lenses of its eyes can be seen. What is more, it has barrel-shaped eyes.
Lungfish
The lungfish is very rare. It has the ability to breathe in air and unlike other fish species, this fish has lungs, hence its name. Lungfish can live on land if the water they live in dries out. It hibernates for months without food or water. It is mostly carnivorous and feeds on animals like frogs, tadpoles and plants.
Red-lipped bat fish
The red-lipped bat fish is one of the most unusual fish in the ocean. Known for its red lips, it doesn’t swim, it walks using its pectoral fins on the ocean floor.
Japanese spider crab
This crab is the largest living arthropod in the world. It lives in the waters around Japan and is known for its long legs. The Japanese call it taka-ashi-gani meaning tall legs crab. It is a major delicacy in the East Asian country.
Gharial
Gharial are special species of crocodiles distinguished by their long thin jaws. They feed mostly on fish and they are mostly found in India and other Asian countries. PHOTO CREDIT: Charles sharp.
Platypus
This adorable creature, known as the duck-billed platypus, is best described as a hodgepodge because of its unique features. It is carnivorous and mostly feeds on worms, insect larvae and freshwater shrimp.
Glaucus Atlanticus
Glaucus Atlanticus is known for its beautiful colors. It is called a blue dragon and a blue sea slug. It floats upside down on the surface of the ocean.
Granrojo Jellyfish
The Granrojo Jellyfish is a big red jelly fish. It has no tentacles but seven feeding arms and it lives in the deepest part of the ocean.
Dumbo octopus
Dumbo octopus are usually small in size. They live in the deepest part of the sea. This adorable deep sea cephalopod flaps its ear-like fins as it moves in the water.
Goblin Shark
Discovered in the 19th century, Goblin Shark is a strange looking and very rare kind of fish. It can be found in the lower depths of the ocean.
All the creatures highlighted above endure extreme conditions to survive. They live thousands of metres below sea level and see little or no light.