The Mariana Trench is the deepest oceanic trench on Earth and can be found about 125 miles east of the Mariana Islands. Measuring about 1585 miles in length and 43 miles in width, it holds some of the strangest marine creatures on Earth. Here are ten creatures of the Mariana Trench so terrifying you’ll wish they stayed hidden
1. Viperfish
Viperfish are known for their large, terrifying teeth. In fact, the teeth on the bottom jaw are so big that they don’t fit inside the mouth. They also have a photophore on their dorsal fin, which glows to attract their prey.
2. Goblin Shark
Goblin sharks are characterized by their protruding, flattened snout. They have 31 to 62 rows of teeth on their lower jaw and 35 to 53 rows on their upper jaw. They also have joints that allow their jaws to move forward. Yikes!
3. Fanfin Seadevil
Fanfin seadevils are a kind of angler fish. They use a bioluminescent lure to attract their prey; it’s also used to avoid becoming prey themselves. They have hairy-looking spikes on their bodies, which act as sensors to help them balance and check the water for other creatures.
4. Black Seadevil Anglerfish
Black seadevil anglerfish have a glowing protrusion on their head called an esca. They use this light to lure in prey and capture them in their huge jaws. Their mouths are so big that they could even eat prey bigger than themselves.
5. Deep Sea Hatchetfish
Deep sea hatchetfish get their name from the shape of their bodies. They are extremely thin and blade-like and have large eyes that are sensitive to light. Their eyes point upward, which helps them to see food coming from above.
6. Granrojo Jellyfish
Researchers often refer to Granrojo jellyfish as “Big Red.” They were first discovered in the mid-1990s and categorized as a new species in 2003. They have stumps instead of tentacles, and so far, each jellyfish has had a different amount of stumps.
7. Deep Sea Dragonfish
Dragonfish are “super black fish.” They have massive teeth and photophores along their sides that glow, helping them attract prey and mates.
8. Fangtooth Fish
Fangtooth fish are named after their teeth, which, in relation to their body size, are the largest in the ocean. The roofs of their mouths have special pockets in which they store their teeth when their jaws are closed!
9. Football Fish
Football fish are also angler fish. The females have lanterns on their heads, which allow them to attract prey. These lanterns glow thanks to a special bacteria!
10. Vampire Squid
The vampire squid is the last surviving member of the Vampyromorphida order and is similar to the squid and the octopus. They have ear-like fins that help them swim, and their gelatinous bodies allow them to move quickly through the water.
