The Scariest Monsters of the Deep Sea

We took the spook-tacular celebration to the depths of the ocean, where some of the craziest—and scariest—looking creatures lurk in the dark.

  • By Emily G. Frost and Hannah Waters
  • October 30, 2012, Subscribe
  • Learn more about the
    ocean from the
    Smithsonian's Ocean Portal.
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Comments (17)

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looks more like a snake.a spike-toothed snake with excellent camouflage.

terrifying small creature.very efficient. but looks like its been preyed upon too.or just camouflage?..skin looks half-eaten.

Unattractive but strong,solid creatures. Survivors they are. Fierce hunters..are they carnivores?

THIS IS SO COOL AND GROSS!!!!!!!!!!!

this is so disgusting but awsome!!!!

awesome pic

How large are these critters? How long do they live? Reproduction? Any information on life cycle? (And for Alan Trower: chicken.)

What is that thing it is just sooo cool what is it called

Yay! Science is da bomb!

Also known as boneworms, they live at 9,194 feet. First discovered in 2002, they depend largely on migrating gray whales. When the dead whales decompose, they will feed on the bones. A truly unique ecosystem revolving around whales.

Also known as scotoplanes, the live at depths of more than 1,000 meters. On the sea floor, they search for whale carcasses, and will root into them for food.

Goblin sharks are only found at depths below 650 feet. That is the reason why they were not known until 1897, especially in the waters off Japan. That rostrum in front of its eyes, has electro-sensitive organs to find prey in the absence of light. So they are well adapted to life at great depths within the ocean.

What do deep sea blob taste like?

Yes!!!! there is a great many fish,The ocean is unexplained.It scares me just to look at it...I just thank all the people willing to reserch such a great expiditation ....I dont know....You all deserve a great amount of apprecication...Im talking about all the people who took the the time to reserch and find such mystry.



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