A few weeks ago we discussed two of our favorite deep-sea dwelling creatures, the Giant Spider Crab and the Frilled Shark. This week we continue our exploration of the strange beings that roam the depths of our oceans with two more fascinating species found in the deep.
First up are giant tube worms, which thrive in colonies on the ocean floor, where they face freezing temperatures, crushing pressure, and a distinct lack of sunlight. Despite the conditions, these strange creatures have adapted to survive best at the edge of hydrothermal vents, which release super-heated water from even deeper in the earth. (Image via Wikipedia.)
Next on our list is the darkness-loving Vampire Squid. Its scientific name, Vampyroteuthis infernalis, literally means "vampire squid from hell" - a pretty intense title. The name Vampire Squid highlights the creature's love of darkness and its tendency to wrap its webbed tentacles around it's body like a cloak - like a vampire's cloak - but the vampire squid also has the largest eyes (proportionately) of any animal on earth. All the better to see you with, my dear...
(Image via Marinebio.org)
Read more about the Vampire Squid here: http://marinebio.org/species.asp?id=179