Monsters of the underwater world

Monsters of the underwater worldOceans on Earth are so deep and vast that it is no wonder there are still phenomena that haven’t been given proper explanation. Moreover, it is most likely that there might be creatures and facts yet unknown for humanity. Such obscurity is indeed fascinating but is worrisome as well, because no one knows what horrors might be hidden in the impenetrable abyss of the Ocean.

Numerous inhabitants of oceanic deepness are known today. They are magnificent creations of nature, and yet some of them can literally horrify you with their looks or habits. You might never meet one of those in your life, but the fact of their existence may arouse your interest, so we present you several somewhat bizarre and somewhat terrifying dwellers of the sea.

1. Tiger Shark – This monster of underwater world can be found in tropical and temperate waters and is especially common in Pacific Ocean. Tiger sharks are relatively large and can be about 5 meters (16.4 feet) in length. This underwater creature feeds with marine mammals and fish. Tiger sharks attack even whales, so it would be very risky not to keep distance from this monster.

Tiger Shark

 

2. Winghead Shark – The reason of such naming is the exceptionally large “hammer” like head of these sharks, which can be as wide as the half of the shark’s total length. The length of these species of hammerhead sharks can reach 1.9 meters (6.2 feet). Winghead sharks have brown to gray, slender body with a tall, sickle-shaped dorsal fin. The function of the latter structure is unknown, but it may aid winghead sharks in detecting pray easier.

Winghead Shark

3. Stargazer – This fish tends to bury itself into sand and stay motionless, waiting for its prey. After spotting the prey with its big eyes it rapidly shoots itself up with and opens its mouth widely, swallowing the prey. It is worth mentioning that teeth of the stargazers are poisonous and can harm people as well.

Stargazer

4. Electric Eel – The electric eel is one of the largest species of the gymnotiformes, growing to about 2 meters (6.6 feet) in length and 20 kg (44.1 lb) in weight. These inhabitants of the deep sea are able to generate an electrical discharge voltage up to 1300 volts. Electric eels track their prey down from afar and paralyzes it with amperage on approach. That shock is not deadly for humans, but can hurt really badly.

 Electric Eel

5. Viperfish – This fish belongs to marine fish species which are characterized by long, needle-like teeth and hinged lower jaws. It is believed that this fish attacks its prey after luring them with light-producing organs called photophores. Viperfish can grow up to 30 – 60 cm (11.8 – 23.6 inches) in length, and even though it is not that large, but the frightful appearance and strong jaws can daunt without a doubt.

Viperfish

6. Tetraodontidae or pufferfish – These are known for their ability to fill their special internal cavity with water in case of danger, blowing them and making them look like a ball. The internal organs of certain species, such as liver and sometimes their skin, contain tetrodotoxin and are highly toxic to most animals. The meat of some species of pufferfish is considered a delicacy in Japan, Korea and China, but it needs to be prepared by specially trained chefs who know which parts and in what quantity are safe to eat.

Tetraodontidae or pufferfish

7. Siamese Fighting Fish – These are Gourami family species and are also known as Betta. Bettas are very popular as an aquarium fishes. We have included this little fish in our ranking of underwater creatures not because of the danger it can pose, but because of its pugnacious behavior. They aggressively fight for their territories, so it is unwise to house two males together. Even female species may become truculent towards each other in case of not being kept in spacious enough tanks.

Siamese Fighting Fish

8. Lophius piscatorius – Commonly known as the angler, these fishes have greatly specific looks suiting their name. It attracts its prey with help of the peculiar “rod”, a special appendage on its head. At the end of the appendage there is a glowing “flashlight”, luring the prey towards the angler and allowing it to seize them with its enormous jaws.

Lophius piscatorius

Sorce of pictures

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