Ah, summer...time to grab a book, relax on the beach, and maybe take a leisurely swim. You might think to look out for jellyfish or sharks, but how much do you really know about al the weird and wonderful creatures that live under the water? There are more truly strange animals out there than could fit in this article, but let's learn a little bit about a few.
Marrus Orthocanna
This eerily beautiful creature lives deep in the Pacific Ocean, the Mediterranean Ocean, and the Arctic Ocean. In terms of biology, it is kind of like a jellyfish. The Marrus Orthocanna can be quite big, and can be up to ten feet long. It is a carnivore, and feeds mostly on crustaceans. Don't worry, you're in no danger from these creatures. They are only found in depths of over 600 feet.
You'll probably never see the Marrus Orthocanna. It lives in depths of over 600 feet!Courtesy of Popular Mechanics
Vampire Squid
This strange creature, which lives in depths of over 2,000 feet, acquired its creepy name not because it eats blood (the Vampire Squid is more of a scavenger), but because its body is typically black or red and its eyes often appear red (depending on lighting). The Vampire Squid is only about one foot long. You might have a chance to see this little guy - the Monterey Bay Aquarium in California is the first place in the world to house this animal.
Does the Vampire Squid drink blood? Read to find out!Courtesy of Popular Mechanics
Giant Squid
The giant squid seems like a thing of myth and legend, but you better believe that it exists. This huge creature can grow up to 45 feet long, and lives in waters all over the world of over 300 feet deep. The fully grown giant squid has only one known natural predator, the sperm whale. In fact, one of the few ways scientists have found to study the giant squid it to examine remains found within dead sperm whales.
The giant squid can be up to 45 feet long!Courtesy of List 25
Stargazer
This fish is found in shallow and deep ocean waters around the world. Stargazers have upward facing eyes and mouths. They bury themselves in the sand, eyes and mouth facing up, and lay in wait for their prey. They also have venomous spines and some can generate electric shocks, so watch your step!
As you can see, our world's oceans are filled with bizarre creatures. So much of the ocean is still unexplored that we don't even know the half of what may exist under the water. Don't be afraid, you're not in real danger from any of these animals. It's something to keep in mind, though, that all these creatures rely on a healthy oceanic ecosystem, and it's our job to help keep the beaches and water clean and safe so that they can thrive.
Watch out! The Stargazer might be hiding under your feet!Courtesy of List 25
Have Your Say!
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