Unique Sea Creatures

Unique Sea Creatures

There are many unique creatures that live at the bottom of the ocean. Most you will never see in your lifetime unless you plan on traveling 3,000 feet below sea level. Some of my favorite deep sea creatures are the Vampire Squid, the Atlantic Wolffish, the Giant Japanese Spider Crab, Pacific Viperfish, and the Frilled Shark.

The Vampire Squid approximately one foot in length. It’s name comes from its black flowing “arms” that remind people of a vampire wearing a cape. They appear as if they are flying through the water because they swim very smoothy. There eyes appear to be red or blue depending on how much light is available when you see them. They do not have ink to escape predators.They only eat a few times a week and maintain a very slow metabolism, which allows them to survive in deep waters. Most live around 3,000 feet below the surface. They were first identified in 1903 (Vampire). It has very powerful jaws just like the Atlantic Wolffish.

The Atlantic Wolffish has bulging eyes and jagged teeth, and wouldn’t win any kind of beauty contest. Their teeth are so strong they can crush whole lobsters and crabs. As a predator they keep sea urchins in check and destroy kelp forests. They can live 20 years and weigh up to 40 pounds. They are usually found in the Gulf of Maine. There are also three different types, the Northern, the Spotted, and Atlantic/Striped (New). Unlike the Atlantic Wolffish that doesn’t sound very appetizing, the Giant Japanese Spider Crab is considered a delicacy in Japanese food.

The Giant Japanese Spider Crab is the largest species of crab and can live 50 to 100 years. It's Japanese name is “Taka-Ashi-Gani” translates to “tall-legs-crab”. It has eight legs which can be up to 13 feet in length but its body is only 15 inches wide. It also has two arms at the front like other crabs, and can weigh up to 44 pounds. It has an armored exoskeleton to protect it from predators. They often adorn their shells with sponges to blend in with the ocean floor (Giant)(Fun). This one, along with the Pacific Viperfish call their home in the Pacific waters where they can have comfortable tropic waters.

The Pacific Viperfish is a fierce fish that lives where it is very dark. It attracts prey with a “fishing lure” attached to the top of its head. The end of their “fishing lure” is a photophore that lights up with natural light. It is generally 12 inches long, can live 30 to