Of the 235,000 species we know, many have adapted to their habitats with distinctive camouflage, bioluminescence and mating habits – resulting in some unique looks, others “only their mother can love” face. Here are 50 of the strangest deep-sea creatures.

1. Mantis shrimp (Peacock mantis shrimp)

 

Found in the Indian Ocean and tropical western Pacific, the mantis shrimp, also known as the mantis shrimp, is a brightly colored crustacean known for its ability to quickly “punch” its prey with two front forks. According to Oceana, the international ocean conservation advocacy group, the shrimp’s punch is one of the fastest in the animal world – so much so that it’s strong enough to shatter the glass wall of an aquarium. They almost exclusively use their “steel fists” to break the shells of the animals they eat, such as crabs and oysters.

2. Pink See-Through Fantasia Sea Cucumber

 

The name “Pink Penetrating” sounds like sexy lingerie, but don’t be fooled: This is a species of sea cucumber, found about 2.5 kilometers deep under the Celebes Sea in the western Pacific Ocean, to the east. Borneo. It was discovered just over a decade ago, in 2007, but this sea cucumber has a survival tactic that shows its age-old evolution: bioluminescence to ward off predators . Pink See-Through Fantasia is named for its transparent skin through which its mouth, anus, and intestines can be seen.

3. Frogfish

Anemone fish have the ability to camouflage themselves extremely well with their surroundings, mainly coral reefs. At first glance, they look like sponges or rocks covered with algae and come in a variety of colors and shapes. Some species of anglers even use their camouflage not to hide but instead, to mimic poisonous sea slugs. Regardless of their appearance, one thing all fish have in common is their strange mode of movement. Although they can swim, most use their fins to walk on the seafloor, which has evolved into arm-like limbs, including an elbow-like joint.

4. Ribbon Eel (Ribbon Eel)

Usually hiding in burrows around coral reefs, ribbon eels (sometimes called leaf-nosed eels) live in Indonesian waters from East Africa, to southern Japan, Australia and French Polynesia. Juveniles are initially black, with a pale yellow band along the fins, and as they grow, they turn bright green and yellow. These eels are considered “primitive hermaphrodites,” meaning they change sex from male to female several times throughout their lives.

5. Frilled shark

 

The gill shark, Chlamydoselachus anguineus, is one of the most terrifying-looking creatures in the sea. It looks like an ancient monster, and there’s a reason for that: the origins of this prehistoric creature go back 80 million years. The gill shark can grow up to about 2 meters long and is named for its multi-folded appearance. Despite the name shark, these animals swim in a zigzag fashion, like an eel. They mainly feed on squid, often swallowing their prey whole.

6. Giant Isopod

 

These animals are native to cold, deep waters and can grow quite large; In 2010, a research vessel discovered a giant sea beetle measuring 76 cm. These crustaceans are carnivores and usually feed on dead animals that have fallen from the ocean’s surface. Although discovered in 1879, these creatures remain mostly a mystery. However, it is believed that they grew to be able to withstand the pressure on the seabed.

7. Sea slugs (Nudibranch)

With over 3,000 different species recorded, the nudibranch is extremely diverse. These tiny creatures are found pretty much everywhere, in both shallow and deep waters, from the North and South poles and into the tropics. Mainly classified into two types: dorid nudibranch with feather-like gills on their back to help them breathe; and the aeolid nudibranch, which breathe through another type of organ, also located on their backs, called the cerata.

The sea slug is small and has no protective shell, instead protecting itself with a bright camouflage, which is a warning signal. But perhaps their impressive adaptability is their ability to swallow, digest, and reuse the stinging cells of their prey.