Bigfin squid 09.02.26 With large undulating fins and long spaghetti-like arms, the deep-sea bigfin squid is a mesmerizing sight, but this elusive animal remains shrouded in mystery.
Bumpy jelly 08.10.26 One of our first discoveries in the depths of Monterey Bay, the bumpy jelly launched decades of discovery at MBARI.
Ghost shark 05.26.26 The ghost shark is an ancient relative of sharks and rays that uses keen senses to find food on the deep seafloor.
Fragile pink sea urchin 01.12.26 The fragile pink sea urchin feeds on decomposing kelp on the seafloor, recycling nutrients for deep-sea communities.
Seven-arm octopus 12.03.25 The seven-arm octopus is a rarely seen deep-sea giant who feeds on gelatinous animals.
Armhook squid 11.25.25 Deep-sea armhook squids have evolved unique solutions for life in the ocean’s inky depths.
Redhead larvacean 10.15.25 The redhead larvacean creates a mucous house to filter drifting bits of marine snow for food, helping lock carbon away in the deep sea.
Snailfish 09.08.25 animal Type Maximum Size 50 cm (20 inches) Depth Tide pools–8,300 m (up to 27,200 feet) Habitat Seafloor From tide pools (intertidal zone) to abyssal zone and trenches (hadal zone), occasionally midwater Diet Invertebrates Range Worldwide About It’s stick or swim for these fishes. Most snailfishes (family Liparidae) live near the seafloor, riding the currents …
Acorn worm 09.04.25 Acorn worms move along the deep seafloor feasting on organic material and locking away carbon from the ocean’s surface.
Predatory tunicate 08.19.25 The predatory tunicate uses a cavernous hood to snap up unsuspecting crustaceans and other morsels of food.