Deep-sea crown jelly 05.10.22 The deep-sea crown jelly (Atolla sp.) is one of the most common jellies in the ocean’s midnight zone and has unique adaptations to survive where food is scarce and predators are plentiful.
Balloon worm 05.10.22 The balloon worm drifts through the midwater, casting a mucous net to feed on tiny bits of food slowly sinking from above.
Strawberry squid 05.10.22 The strawberry squid has one big eye and one small eye. Together, this improbable pair helps the squid hunt for food in the ocean’s twilight zone.
Giant phantom jelly 05.10.22 This ghostly giant is a rare sight. In thousands of dives, MBARI researchers have only seen the spectacular Stygiomedusa nine times.
Whalefish 05.10.22 A whalefish lives in a world without sunlight. This rarely seen deep-sea fish relies on a network of pores to feel vibrations in the water and sense its surroundings.
Deep-sea anglerfish 05.10.22 The anglerfish is one of the most famous deep-sea animals, with a bioluminescent “fishing pole” projecting from its head to lure prey.
Bloody-belly comb jelly 05.10.22 The bloody-belly comb jelly’s deep red color disguises it in the ocean’s midnight zone.
Bomber worm 05.10.22 The midnight zone is a world of total darkness where predators lurk in the shadows ready to pounce on prey. The small bomber worm (Swima spp.) swims in the waters a few meters above the seafloor. A wriggling worm is exposed out in the open, but it has a secret weapon to avoid becoming a meal for a hungry predator.