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5 Animals Found in the Bathypelagic Zone

5 Animals Found in the Bathypelagic Zone

Written by Scuba.com
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Updated on June 26, 2023
animals found in different ocean depth zones including epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, and hadal zone

Exploring the depths of the world’s oceans unveils a mesmerizing realm teeming with extraordinary creatures. In the vast expanse of the Bathypelagic Zone, which extends from 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface, a mysterious world exists, largely uncharted and enigmatic. Here, where sunlight barely penetrates, bizarre adaptations have evolved to withstand crushing pressures, frigid temperatures, and perpetual darkness. In this article, we embark on a captivating journey to uncover the remarkable inhabitants of the Bathypelagic Zone. From bioluminescent wonders illuminating the abyss to elusive and alien-like creatures, we delve into the secrets of these deep-sea animals in the Bathypelagic Zone that defy our imagination.

animals found in different ocean depth zones including epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, and hadal zone
Image via Shutterstock

What is the Bathypelagic Zone

The bathypelagic zone is considered to be deep ocean territory, comprising the area of pelagic ocean between 1,000 and 4,000 meters beneath the surface, with little to no sunlight present in this ecosystem. Due to the limited light and corresponding frigid temperatures found at these remarkable depths, sea creatures of the bathypelagic zone are uniquely adapted to life in this harsh environment. Let’s take a look at just five of these amazing animals.

animals found in different ocean depth zones including epipelagic, mesopelagic, bathypelagic, abyssopelagic, and hadal zone
Image via Shutterstock

Crazy Animals in the Bathypelagic Zone

Vampire Squid

The vampire squid is actually a type of sea mollusk, growing to reach a maximum length of about one foot. When forced into a defensive position, this alien-looking creature is able to invert its body to fit inside its long tentacles. The body and head of the squid is then fully ensconced within the safety of its sharp, spiny exterior. The vampire squid hunts by dropping from above onto unsuspecting prey, trapping its hapless victims within the deadly net of its spines.

Deep Sea Anglerfish

Deep sea anglerfish are another variety of many amazing sea creatures of the bathypelagic zone. Although their appearance and size can vary, and many types of the species live in various oceanic zones, all anglerfish are famous for their gaping, tooth-filled mouths. Anglerfish can vary in length from a few inches to over three feet. They utilize a bioluminescent organ as a fishing lure to tempt smaller fish into their enormous maw.

Snake Dragon Fish

Snake dragon fish are another species well adapted to life in the deep ocean. They vary in size from 1 to 20 inches in length. Like the angler fish, snake dragons also utilize bioluminscence as a means to attract prey in the total darkness of their environment. They have a reputation as fierce predators.

Deep-Sea Amphipod

A funny looking crustacean called an amphipod is another sea creature that haunts the inky darkness of the bathypelagic zone. These creatures are tiny, measured in mere millimeters, and swarm together while scavenging for food. Their bodies are transparent to provide camouflage from their many predators. Amphipods are a staple food for many other sea creatures of the bathypelagic zone.

Gulper Eel

The gulper eel is not a true eel, but rather a species of ray-finned fish found within the bathypelagic zone. Sometimes referred to as a swallower or pelican eel, this extraordinary fish has no scales, ribs, pelvic fins, or swim bladders, but possesses a large, gaping mouth 11 times the volume of its entire body that can easily swallow prey much larger than itself. A light organ at the end of its tail has been hypothesized to aid in attracting prey, but very little research has been carried out on the elusive gulper eel.

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