For many photographers, taking pictures of weird creatures are one of a kind art that speaks a thousand words. The unusual beauty of these creatures, which many of them are already rare species seldom seen by human eyes, yet really stands out. So, put on your goggles, snorkel and flippers and let's discover the beauty of these strange-looking creatures.
More info: ocean.nationalgeographic.com
Blob Sculpins
Source: NOAAAlaskaFisheriesScienceCenter
Although the Blob Sculpin may not have a flattering name but it does capture a bit of the creature's essence. Many scientists have observed males guarding rocky seafloor nesting their sites, also filled with hundreds of pale pink eggs, in the mile-deep waters off the coast of California.
Stubby Squid
Source: PhotographbySusanMiddleton
Rossia pacifica is not really a true squid. It buries itself in the sandy ocean bottom during the day and crawls often out at night.
Red-Lipped Batfish
This fish has fins and red lips made for walking on the seafloor near the Galápagos Islands. The red-lipped batfish is also one of some 60 species of batfishes, which are “flattened” from life on the seafloor and they are adapted to walk on modified pectoral and pelvic fins.
White Phantom Crab
Source: PhotographbySusanMiddleton
Tanaoa distinctus is named after a Polynesian god who was banished to the depths of the ocean.
Clown Frogfish
This brightly-colored clown frogfish shows off its stuff on a reef. Members of the frogfish family usually keep a much lower profile, which relies on the art of camouflage—even changing their colors—to stay hidden in their reef homes.
Frilled Anemone
Source: PhotographbySusanMiddleton
In nature, the stalk of this Phymanthus genus would be buried in sediment. Its tentacles would be exposed, and they often blend in with the sand to fool some unsuspecting prey.
Dumbo Octopus
Source: PhotographbyDavidShale
The Dumbo octopus, named for its pair of prominent fins, is smaller than its elephant namesake—it is only about 8 inches long—and typically dwells near the ocean floor. Like many other octopuses, it has also eight arms, but they are webbed and typically serve as swimming aids, which supplements the flapping of the giant fins.
Red-Eye Medusa
Source: NationalGeographic
Unlike most of the jellyfish, Polyorchis penicillatus spends its time on the bottom of the ocean during the day. It often perches on its tentacles and feeds on tiny animals crawling on the sand.
Opalescent Nudibranch
Source: PhotographbySusanMiddleton
The Hermissenda crassicornis' orange-tipped tentacles are detachable, which helps the creature escape the grasping claws of hungry crabs.
Sea Pens
Source: PhotographbyBrianJ.Skerry
Named for their resemblance to an old-time quill writing implements. These Sea pens are actually colonies of small, tentacled polyps, and form “branches.”