STRANGE CREATURES
Some very weird animals lurk in the world below.
WHY ARE THINGS SO WEIRD DOWN THERE?
The creatures that exist below the surface of the ocean are bound by no limits. In a world where gravity is no existent, where light sometimes never reaches, and where pressure becomes unfathomable, life can come up with some very interesting solutions to these environmental factors. Here are a few of these culprits:
Compass Jellyfish, A Frame
Jellyfish are considered one of the most successful life forms on the planet. They have been around for millions or years, and inhabit every corner of the ocean. They spawn in massive numbers, and are an important asset in the oceans ecosystem Some Jellyfish have even managed to become immortal, returning their bodies to a juvenile stage as they age. This makes jellyfish hard gauge their age, they could be a few days old, or hundreds of years!
Common Octopus, Windmill Beach
Octopuses are a well known and respected resident of the ocean, but lets take a second to truly marvel at these strange creatures. aside from having eight arms, we often overlook the fact that they are shape shifters. Having the ability to not only changes ones colour, but also to be able to change shape and texture, has to be one of natures greatest tricks. They are the ultimate masters of disguise, and use the rhythmic swell of the ocean as additional camouflage. It is said that octopuses have a similar intelligence level of a dog or a cat, which in my opinion, is being nice to the dog and the cat!
Comb Jellyfish, Antipolis wreck
Comb Jellies form part of a group of invertebrate animals that float around the ocean. They too inhabit every corner of the ocean, and they too are incredibly interesting. They have been dated back over 500 million years, and come in a massively wide range of shape and sizes. They swim by means of tiny cillia along their flanks, and are the largest creatures worldwide to use this swimming technique. This cillia when move, create brilliant iridescence and bioluminescence that will intrigue the eye of any animal. These are among my favourite marine creatures to observe, as they normally are in deeper pelagic waters. So when we do catch a glimpse of them in coastal waters, it almost feels like a gift from the deeper waters.
Featherduster worm, Kalk Bay Harbour
Featherduster worms really break the mould when it comes to the generic shape of a worm. They live in tubes that they form, and through one end they release a fan of arms that filter feed off floating nutrients in the ocean current. These may look like plants but are in fact animals, and demonstrate their animal nature by being rather shy. Any sort of disturbance in the current or light, and they will shoot down their tube in speedy fashion.
The ocean is host to some of the strangest shapes and sizes, and we are yet to even discover even a fraction of what exists. As long as we strive to conserve and protect this world of wonders, new discoveries and knowledge will continue to emerge for us and many generation to come.