Kosmoceras

This is Chaetopterus pugaporcinus, a deep-sea dwelling marine worm. The distinct, almost spherical morphology is due to the worm’s central portion, which is segmented yet highly inflated. It is unknown whether the specimens discovered by MBARI scientists were mature individuals or larvae. The species name means “pig’s rear”, which I think is very apt. Pelagic, it floats around the water column despite the intense pressure of oceanic depths. 

It is about the size of a hazelnut.

Pigbutt or Flying Buttocks is the common name, according to Wikipedia (I have no idea who wrote the article).

Deep sea shrimp Gnathophausia ingens. Red-colored creatures are prevalent at certain depths since the color is the first to disappear as we go deeper into the water.

Photo from the gallery of KatieOlds in Flickr.

Limacina helicina 3 by Alexander Semenov.

Limacina helicina is a species of pteropod mollusk. ‘Pteropod’ is basically a catch-all term for all kinds of free-swimming, pelagic sea snails, usually ones with modified, wing-like foot. The sea angel Clione limacina has also been referred as a ‘pteropod’. However, its usage as taxonomic term has now become obsolete.

ichthyologist:

Juvenile Sailfish

precious.