WorDSS releases Deep Sea ID iPhone app
The World Register of Deep Sea Species (WorDSS) just released Deep Sea ID a free iOS app that allows offline access to the taxonomic information for over 20,000 deep-sea species. The app works on both the iPhone and iPad allowing you to dial into more details on these fascinating deep-sea creatures. The mobile app is tied to Read More
Creatures of Indonesia’s deep sea are more diverse than you could ever imagine
As much as we think we know about the deep sea, having taken oodles of courses in marine science, ecology and biology, it’s still hard for us to imagine and picture the sheer diversity of creatures living down there. Once in a while we get a glimpse into the abyss like the recent video of Read More
New deep sea carnivorous harp sponge is unlike anything ever seen
Chondrocladia lyra is a highly unusual and very specialized sponge living in the deep sea which completely redefines what we think a sponge should be. Also known as the harp sponge due to its very similar appearance consisting of a main vane and upright stalks, the unique ecology of Chondrocladia lyra imparts on it a rather unique morphology. Much Read More
AbyssBox comes online to display deep sea animals under enormous pressure
Imagine an aquarium with 4.25 gallons of water weighing 2/3 of a ton with the pressure of a mile under the sea and you have the AbyssBox. Designed to display deep sea creatures, the AbyssBox is both an aquarium display device and a serious research tool, a real scientific aquarium unlike our plain old glass Read More
Giant amphipods discovered near New Zealand at a depth of 7 km
A giant amphipod measuring nearly a foot long is making the news circuit after being discovered near New Zealand at a depth of 7 kilometers. This was not an isolated occurrence as scientists were able to capture seven of these giants that measured in at 28 cm (around 11 in.) that are 10 times larger than your Read More
Deep sea yeti crab grows its own food — on its arms
Deep sea creatures have to get resourceful to survive and a relatively new species of yeti crab was discovered farming colonies of bacteria on its claws to use as food. In the Pacific Ocean at over a thousand below the surface, the crab was discovered waving its pincers over methane and sulfide vents but not Read More
New, exotic deep-sea worms discovered
When thinking about worms, you typically don’t conjure up a favorable image but the pictures released of the recently-discovered species of acorn worm that sports a colorful body as well as big “lips.” The bright fuschsia coloring, the worm was one of 12 new species and at least four new genera of worms found during Read More
Deep sea fish have some serious teeth
We’ve all seen photos and illustrations of the prodigious maws of deep sea fish bearing their intimidating chompers but seeing all this dentition in moving images is something else. This recent video from Monterrey Bay Aquarium Research Institute shows a variety of deep sea fish bearing their toothy weapons. With teeth like those it is Read More
Marine animals group into clusters, in the deep sea and on reefs
Energy and nutrients are not evenly distributed in the ocean, and sea creatures have evolved to zero-in on areas of their habitat which will be most conducive for the survival, growth and reproduction. The clustering of sea life around these hot spots of suitable habitat happens from the shallowest to the deepest part of the Read More
Bioluminescing coral filmed in the deep sea
Did you know that some corals bioluminesce? Neither did we. This video was made by a deepsea submersible off the coast of Florida and believe it or not, this video was made in complete darkness. The light which is visible on the surface of the coral is the result of the manipulator arm of the Read More