10 unusual deep sea creatures that seem almost unreal

The pelican eel (Eurypharynx pelecanoides) is a type of gulper eel characterised by its large, pelican-like mouth, which can be longer than its body and is used to swallow prey whole. Found in the mesopelagic zone (approximately 9,000 feet or 2,700 metres deep), the pelican eel inhabits the same depths as other deep-sea creatures such as the vampire squid.

The common fangtooth (Anoplogaster cornuta) is a deep-sea fish known for its exceptionally large teeth relative to its body size of about 7 inches (18 centimetres). It feeds on small crustaceans, cephalopods, and other fish by sucking in prey. Fangtooth fish are found in the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, from 1,650 to 7,000 feet (500 to 2,100 metres) deep, though they have been recorded as deep as 16,000 feet (5,000 metres).

The Japanese spider crab (Macrocheira kaempferi) is the largest crab species, with a leg span of up to 13 feet (4 metres). It resides in the Pacific Ocean's mesopelagic zone, at depths ranging from 660 to 1,800 feet (200 to 550 metres). This crab uses its eight walking legs and two clawed legs to scavenge for food on the seafloor.

Sea cucumbers (class Holothuroidea) are deep-sea organisms that can also be found in shallow waters. They use their tube feet to consume algae and decaying matter on the seafloor or plankton near the surface. Over 1,200 species exist, with sizes ranging from about 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) to over 6 feet (1.8 metres) in length.

The frilled shark (Chlamydoselachus anguineus) resembles an eel more than a shark and can grow up to 7 feet (2 metres) long. It inhabits depths between 164 feet (50 metres) and 5,000 feet (1,500 metres), ranging from the pelagic to the benthic zones. This ancient species uses its white teeth to attract and capture prey.

The giant isopod (Bathynomus) is a deep-sea crustacean that can measure between 3 and 20 inches (8 to 51 centimetres) long. It is an example of deep-sea gigantism and lives at depths ranging from 500 to 7,000 feet (152 to 2,133 metres). The giant isopod primarily scavenges for food on the seafloor, playing a role in nutrient recycling.

The giant sea spider (Colossendeis) features long legs and a smaller body, with a maximum leg span of up to 20 inches (51 centimetres). It lives at depths of 7,200 to 13,100 feet (2,200 to 4,000 metres) and is adapted to the deep-sea environment.

Sea pigs (Scotoplanes) are a type of sea cucumber with a pinkish transparent body and stubby tube legs. They feed on decomposing organic material on the seafloor and grow up to 6.5 inches (17 cm) long. Sea pigs live at depths of 3,300 to 19,500 feet (1,000 to 6,000 metres).

Deep-sea anglerfish, comprising around 200 species, are found at depths up to 16,400 feet (5,000 metres). They are known for their bioluminescent lure, which attracts prey. Females are significantly larger than males and are responsible for hunting.

Sea angels (clade Gymnosomata) are small, transparent creatures that use two "wings" to swim through the ocean. They lack a shell and prey on other swimming snails. Sea angels range in size from 1 to 2 centimetres and can be found from the surface to depths of 2,000 feet (600 metres).