Deep-sea fish

There's an email going around with a bunch of photos of weird-lookin' fish that were allegedly tossed up by the tsunami. The tsunami part is a hoax, but the fish are real; they were caught during the NORFANZ research voyage in 2003. You can see those photos (and lots more) and learn more about them at the NORFANZ Creature Features page.

Lots of cool stuff there, but I only have time to mention (in honor of Greg's birthday) that there are a couple of cool squids: the Jewel Squid (covered with multicolored "tiny directional light organs like tiny car headlights") and the Vampire Squid, which can "squirt a cloud of luminous fluid with bright glowing spots inside."

Also, I love the names Eelpout (sounds like a Mervyn Peake character) and Black-Lip Rattail (sounds like a Mark Helprin character). Also Umbrella Mouth Gulper Eel (sounds like an Edward Gorey character).

Late to work, must dash.

4 Responses to “Deep-sea fish”

  1. Greg van Eekhout

    You’ve convinced me! I’m going to change my name to Greg van Eelpout!

    reply
  2. David Moles

    “As in most other rattails, the males of this species have a special drum machine on their swim bladder that is used to attract females.”

    And here’s Frank Zappa saying that you have to play lead guitar to get the groupies.

    reply
  3. Shmuel

    Well, the groupies, sure. But the groupers are another story.

    reply
  4. Deep Sea Creatures

    I’ve written some articles about beautifull deep sea fishes, so if you have some time i invite you to take a look at it ;D Deep Sea Animals

    reply

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