Deep-sea squid
The deep-sea squid (Bathyteuthis sp.) is unusual among squids. Instead of laying egg cases on the seafloor or releasing a drifting egg mass, females brood their developing offspring.
midwater
Deep-sea crown jelly
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.
Scientists discover a new species of deep-sea crown jelly in Monterey Bay
April 19, 2022 – MBARI researchers have named a newly discovered species of deep-sea crown jelly after the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s first volunteer.
Balloon worm
The balloon worm drifts through the midwater, casting a mucous net to feed on tiny bits of food slowly sinking from above.
Strawberry squid
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.
Psychedelic jelly
Meet one of the most colorful residents of the ocean’s midnight zone. That remarkable coloration tipped off scientists that they had found a new species.
Giant phantom jelly
This ghostly giant is a rare sight. In thousands of dives, MBARI researchers have only seen the spectacular Stygiomedusa nine times.
Effective and elegant: New research reveals swimming mechanics of the gossamer worm
September 28, 2021 – New research by MBARI and collaborators at the Smithsonian reveals how the gossamer worm achieves its effective and elegant swimming.
Genetic probes give new clues about the stunning diversity of comb jellies
August 31, 2021 – MBARI researchers have used the power of genetics to reveal the stunning diversity of delicate, gelatinous comb jellies.
Whalefish
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
The anglerfish is one of the most famous deep-sea animals, with a bioluminescent “fishing pole” projecting from its head to lure prey.
Marine biologists publish editorial in New York Times about risks of deep-sea mining
August 14, 2020 – Today the New York Times ran an editorial highlighting the potential effects of deep-sea mining on midwater animals.
Scientists urge caution, further assessment of ecological impacts above deep-sea mining
July 8, 2020 – A new study argues that deep-sea mining poses significant risks not only to seafloor ecosystems, but also to animals in the vast midwater realm.
Deciphering the visual language of Humboldt squid
March 23, 2020 – Humboldt squid communicate with each other using changing patterns of light and dark pigment in their skin.
Running the gauntlet— Deep-sea animals face multiple dangers in their daily migration
March 17, 2020 – Scientists analyze the threats faced by deep-sea animals that migrate vertically each day.
Biodiversity and Biooptics 2020 Expedition
January 28 – February 2, 2020 – The Bioluminescence Lab will conduct ROV dives to study the biochemical, physiological, and genetic adaptations that midwater organisms have evolved to survive and diversify in the deep sea.
Midwater Ecology Expedition Fall 2019
November 15-21, 2019 – The Midwater Ecology Group is studying and collecting midwater animals in conjunction with collaborators from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research and Auckland University.
First sea trials of a revolutionary new undersea robot
August 5, 2019 – In late June researchers from MBARI joined engineers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution to test a new breed of undersea robot.
Biodiversity and Biooptics 2019 Expedition
July 9-17, 2019 – The Bioluminescence Lab will conduct ROV and scuba dives to study the biochemical, physiological, and genetic adaptations that midwater organisms have evolved to survive and diversify in the deep sea.
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About MBARI
Research programs at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) encompass the entire ocean, from the surface waters to the deep seafloor, and from the coastal zone to the open sea. The need to understand the ocean in all its complexity and variability drives MBARI's research and development efforts.