The Beautiful Creatures That Live In Our Oceans
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While we have always known about the beautiful creatures that inhabit our oceans, they have usually been seen only by divers and marine scientists brave enough to venture into the deep seas. However, now thanks to advanced cameras, they are able to share their discoveries with the rest of the world
These pictures were taken by scientists, working on the study of biodiversity in the Bellinghausen Sea in West Antarctica. Some of the discoveries are new, while others have been spotted before - But all of them, are truly stunning!
Soft Coral
This is the first time the marine team has seen this beautiful soft coral, even though they have explored the area many many times. They are currently in the process of identifying the species.
Ice Fish
The Antarctic Ice Fish who seems to thrive in waters of between -2 to 4 degrees Celsius have a built-in anti-freeze and no red blood cells in their bodies.
Basket Star
This bloodless creature that weighs about eleven pounds stretches out its 'arms' and filter feeds on little creatures that are floating by, in the seabed. In the wild, it can live for up to 35 years.
Sea Pig
The Sea Pig also known as Sea Cucumber, is one of the most common creatures found in the depths of our oceans. However, thanks to over-fishing, their numbers are being diminished quite rapidly. Similar to earthworms, they help process the sediment of our ocean beds.
Sand Hopper
While normal sand hoppers are tiny flea-like creatures that can be usually found on ocean beaches, these Amphipods, grow to gigantic sizes, thanks to the high oxygen levels in the Antarctic waters.
Scale Worm
The Scale Worm is one of the most abundant creatures found on the continental shelf. While it may look exotic, it is similar to an ordinary worm, except for its scales, which are an adaptation to the chilly environment it thrives in.
Feather Star
The Feather Star is one of the oldest creatures found in our oceans, dating back 300 million years. It is very mobile and follows its food source - marine algae, around. Their movements are therefore a good way for scientists to track the changing distribution of marine algae, which together with sea ice melt, are the two biggest ways to measure the effects of global warming in the Antarctic waters.
Skate
Skates are a rare sight in the chilly waters of the Antarctica. The creatures, which feed on shellfish off the ocean's seabed, started to disappear from the area as the waters near the Antarctica became cooler. However, as the temperatures get warmer, scientists are expecting to see them become a more common site in the region.
Jellyfish
While a lot of the marine life is in danger of disappearing forever, thanks to the warming temperatures and the rising Carbon Dioxide levels, the Jellyfish is thriving - and expected to rapidly increase in numbers as years go by.
sources:dailymail.co.uk,antarctica.co.uk
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176 Comments
- Ms. Reneeover 14 yearsThe comments in this section are right on the $$. It is great to see such well thought our responses!
- Blue Hat Ianover 14 yearsThe Sand Hopper.Not really a thing that would live in the depth of the ocean and grow to gigantic sizes.
- NATALIEover 14 yearsI am interested in the jellyfish because I have always wanted to learn more about them and have the chance to learn and I learned that the jellyfish is increasing in population as years go by!!!
- Angelineover 14 yearsI am very interested into the jelly fish because it is one of the most beautiful sea creature I have ever seen! I hope other sea creatures will increase in there population through out years to!
- Jamieover 14 yearsI think the Feather star is really interesting because it is the oldest creature in the ocean the Feather Star has been around for 300 million years.
- Chessa and Nikkiover 14 yearsThe Scale Worm is just like the ordinary worm but it lives underwater and it has scales to keep it self warm in the freezing waters!!Wow!
- Chessa and Nikkiover 14 yearsWe read about the Ice Fish and the Feather Star. One thing that we learned is that the Feather Star has been around for 300 million years! And the Ice Fish has no red blood cells!
- Meganover 14 yearsI think the Ice fish is really cool becuase it can live in a tempature of 2-4 degrees Celcius and that it has no red blood cells in their body.
- Ms. Reneeover 14 yearsWhat do you like about the sea cucumber or sea pig, Stephaney? The basket star seems so amazing. Look how long it can live!
- stephaneyover 14 yearsI think the sea pig is cool