Unique creatures of the deep sea
During an expedition off the coast of California in late October, experts had the opportunity to observe a strange deep-sea fish called the barreleye (Macropinna microstoma).
A close-up of a creature with a transparent head found at the bottom of the deep sea off the coast of the US (Photo: Fox).
Not only does this fish possess a transparent, dome-like head, but it also has tubular eyes that can rotate inside, allowing it to observe prey from different angles.
The footage of the fish was captured by scientists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) using underwater remote-controlled equipment. This is reportedly the 11th time the institute’s researchers have encountered this species of fish in nearly 40 years of ocean surveys.
According to MBARI, the encounter occurred during an eight-day expedition. The team of experts was then focused on studying jellyfish-like organisms, such as jellyfish, and how they adapt to the deep-sea environment.
Researchers used remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) to survey and photograph underwater creatures. The fish was discovered at a depth of approximately 600 meters, about 90 kilometers off the coast of California, in the Monterey Canyon. The research team spent about 20 minutes observing the creature.
To better capture the fish’s appearance and behavior, experts used a high-resolution 4K camera mounted on the device. This is the first time MBARI has filmed this species of fish using 4K technology. The last time the experts encountered the creature was in 2021.
The tubular eyes can rotate inside the transparent head.
What makes this fish special is the structure of its eyes and head. This fish has two large, tubular eyes located inside a layer of transparent tissue covering its head.
According to experts, it is very rare for professionals to encounter this species of fish (Photo: Fox).
Thanks to this structure, the eyes can rotate, instead of being fixed in one direction as many people might imagine from their outward appearance.
In the dimly lit deep-sea environment, this fish typically looks upwards to search for the silhouettes of prey. Once it spots a target, its eyes can rotate forward, helping it track and approach the food.
The transparent dome not only creates an unusual appearance but is also believed to protect the eyes. According to MBARI researchers, this layer of tissue may help the fish avoid injury when approaching something.
This fish primarily feeds on plankton, including small crustaceans and jelly-like organisms. When foraging, they typically remain almost stationary in the water, using their large fins for balance and positioning. Their upward-facing eyes help them spot the shadows of prey in the dark water.
Despite thousands of surveys conducted using remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), experts rarely encounter barreleye fish in their natural habitat.
The research team did not capture the fish and bring it onto the ship, but allowed it to continue living in its natural environment. The footage obtained will serve as material for further research on the vision of this fish species.
According to MBARI experts, understanding how deep-sea creatures perceive light and detect prey will also help expand our understanding of the diversity of life in the ocean.
In places where sunlight can barely penetrate, organisms have developed very different adaptations to survive.
According to Fox News