Peculiars Of The Deep

 

It is said that life on Earth started in a deep ocean hydrothermal vent over three billion years ago. Human beings came later, as a result of massive evolutionary changes to these microscopic oceanic beings. However, we have failed to explore underwater life owing to our interests in terrestrial life.

The blue waters of the sea may look enormous and unchanging, but life has always been undergoing rapid changes in its depths. From the obscure alien-like creatures that prowled the ocean millions of years ago to the more familiar whales and octopi, the ocean hosts diverse ecosystems.    

Over a million species of animals currently occupy the ocean, and there are much more species yet to be discovered there. Currently, it is believed that approximately 95 percent of underwater animals are invertebrates, such as jellyfish and octopuses. The remaining 5 percent includes vertebrates like reptiles, fish, and even mammals. In fact, the largest animal on earth, the Blue Whale, is an ocean mammal.  

10 peculiars caught my eye!

1. Flying fish

Belonging to the Exocoetidae family of marine fish, the flying fish or flying cod are long with cigar-shaped bodies. Despite being called Flying fish, these creatures do not actually fly. They leap out of the water in groups and glide over the surface, creating one of the most breathtaking scenes the ocean has to offer. It is said that the species developed this skill in order to escape their predators.

Their origin can be traced back to the Middle Triassic ages and flourish in tropical and sub-tropical waters. The flying fish are well-adapted to atmospheric as well as underwater settings. Their eyes have pyramid-shaped barriers to protect the cornea from sudden changes in the surroundings. Barbados hosts a large population of this organism, so much so that it is called “the land of flying fish”. 

 

2. Sea urchin

 

These small, spiny, and round organisms are found living on the seafloor due to their inability to swim. Scientifically known as Echinoidea, sea urchins are also called sea biscuits and sand dollars, thanks to their appearance. It is estimated that these creatures live up to 200 years, even with their hard skin as their only defense system.

They feed on algae, seaweed, and plankton, and sometimes, decomposing fish. Most of the species of sea urchins are not poisonous but some can be deadly, especially the flower urchin. Interestingly, a new species of sea urchin was discovered after a group of photos were published on eBay in 2006. Moreover, sea urchins make a tasty snack in many cultures.

3. Octopus

The Common Octopus or Octopus vulagaris is known to be one of the most intelligent invertebrates. Its unique appearance with a bulbous head and large eyes has made this organism the target of biologists’ attention. More importantly, the many tricks that the common octopus possesses to thwart its predators is another reason for interest.

Upon being subjected to undesired attention, this fascinating creature releases a cloud of ink that dulls the enemy’s sense of smell. They are agile beings who can squeeze through any hole and at the same time, they are equally adaptable. An octopus can lose an arm and regrow it effortlessly. These majestic animals also have jaws capable of a nasty bite involving venomous saliva.   

 

4. White-spotted puffer

The Arothron hispidus is a pufferfish that has irregular white spots all over its body. This medium-sized pufferfish is also called the Broad-barred Toadfish. Escaping from its predators by changing itself into an inedible puffed ball, this creature displays one of the most unique defense mechanisms.

These organisms thrive in slopes of coastal regions, especially where there is a high presence of weeds and algae. The white-spotted puffer is extremely territorial and their bodies are covered in toxic mucus that can be fatal to human beings. 

 

5. Zebra sea horse

 

Endemic to Australia, the Zebra sea horse is a fancy-looking animal that resides in coral reefs. Belonging to the family of Syngnathidae, this creature is closely related to sea dragons and pipefish. These organisms feed on tiny crustaceans that are found on the ocean floor, especially copepods.

Interestingly, sea horses are considered to be the most romantic beings of the ocean because they mate for life. The Zebra sea horse is no exception to this case. Contrary to most organisms on Earth, sea horses are one of the few species where the males carry the eggs. Upon hatching, the offspring are released into the sea and they do not form any bonds with each other.

 

6.Sea pineapple

Halocynthia roretzi sounds like a mouthful for a simple yet peculiar organism like this one. Also known as sea squirts, these organisms' habitat is shallow waters where the temperature remains between 2–24 °C (36–75 °F). Found clinging to rocks and other solid structures under the water, sea pineapples are easily eaten by their predators.

Not just underwater animals, but even humans consume sea pineapples with much vigor. Dishes made using the creature are extremely popular in South Korea and Japan. It is better known as Meongge-hoe and Hoya in these regions, respectively. Love for this animal is said to be an acquired one, but it has not stopped people from including it in their aquaculture projects.  

 

7. Portuguese Man o’ War

Closely related to the jellyfish, the Portuguese Man o’ War is a siphonophore. These organisms form fully functional colonies by reproduction through clones, where each member is responsible for a separate task. Found in the tropical and sub-tropical seas, the Portuguese Man o’ War has tentacles that extend up to 100 feet even. 

This sea-dweller is called so because of its resemblance to an 18th-century Portuguese warship. The long tentacles of the animal have microscopic capsules loaded that deliver venom capable of paralyzing or killing its predators. Even though it does not harm people, Man o’ War’s sting packs a punch and causes welts even after being washed ashore.

 

8.Sea anemone

Sea anemones are one of the world’s most diverse organisms living in the sea. Surviving in shallow tropical waters and even 32,000 feet deep in the ocean, these members of Cnidaria live in colonies. They have symbiotic relationships with organisms that share their space, like clownfish and algae, by protecting them.  

Sea anemones may look harmless but they are territorial beings. If an anemone from another colony enters their territory, they are slapped away with tentacles that sting. Animals that do not have alliances with the anemone are also stung with paralyzing neurotoxin when they come in contact. Fortunately, only a few species of anemones have toxins fatal to human beings. 

 

9. Gray whale

Eschrichtius robustus or the gray whale is the last member of the baleen whale family that inhabits the North Pacific Ocean. They are bottom feeders who appear in shallow waters. Feeding on red crabs, herring fish eggs, and baitfish, they grow up to almost 70000 lbs.

The gray whale has earned the name ‘devil fish’ because of its aggressive response to being harpooned. These whales migrate for more than 6000 miles, which makes them the mammals that migrate the longest distance.  

 

10. Tiger prawn

Tiger prawns form a huge part of seafood cuisine in many countries. Their popularity across the world has contributed to the destruction of natural ecosystems in many places, thanks to large-scale tiger prawn farming. They are native to the Indo-West Pacific Ocean and get their name from the stripes that cover their shell.

The striped exoskeleton helps these crustaceans in fending off predators in the ocean. As they grow, the tiger prawn sheds its exoskeleton instead of expanding it. The new exoskeleton grows from within and leaves the prawn vulnerable for a few hours after formation until it hardens.  

 

Thanks to the effects of human activities, ocean life has been facing an increasing threat in recent decades. The declining health and survival of the ocean flora as well as the fauna is the result of rapid climate changes and ruthless pollution.

When the critical factors that support the underwater ecosystems fluctuate, the organisms fail to adapt and accommodate these changes. Without a doubt, human intervention to preserve ocean wildlife is still not too late. With proper research and efficient management, we can mitigate the disaster of extermination that awaits many of these organisms.