5 Weird Creatures from the Gulf of Mexico – Threatened by Oil Spill

There are some 17,650 species of life discovered living deeper than 200 metres in our oceans.  Little to no light penetrates.  There is no photosynthesis.  Yes life does exist and just because we can’t see it doesn’t mean its not there.

Here is a peek into what we don’t get a chance to see in the Gulf of Mexico:

#1 Pancake Batfish (Halieutichthys aculeatus)

A couple new species varied from the Pancake Batfish have been recently discovered in the Gulf.

It’s a strange looking tiny creature that amazingly uses its fins like feet to walk across the ocean floor.  Sporting a long nose that can project a lure to entice other critters closer to its mouth, this little fish is only a couple of inches long.

Pancake Batfish – walks on the ocean floor

#2. The Sea Cucumber (Enypniastes)

At 1.7 miles down in the northern Gulf of Mexico, scientists have recorded “transparent” sea cucumbers moving around the ocean floor with their tentacles.

1.7 miles down – sea cucumbers

Dr Chris German,from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, US, says:

‘The deep sea is the Earth’s largest continuous ecosystem and largest habitat for life. It is also the least studied.’

#3. Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni)

Here is a link to the actual record of the first single catch of a:  Goblin Shark in the Gulf of Mexico

The Goblin Shark is found in the deep ocean, far below where sunlight may penetrate depths greater than 200 m. They can be found throughout the world, from Australia in the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf of Mexico.

Goblin Shark – lives below 200m

#4. Hatchetfish (Sternoptyx pseudobscura)

Given their name due to their ‘hatchet-like’ thinness & shape, these are some weird looking fish.

Hatchetfish are scary looking

#5. Magnapinna

The rarely seen Magnapinna squid was recorded on video in 2007 by a Shell Oil remotely-controlled exploration vehicle at a depth of 7800 feet in the Gulf of Mexico.  Scientists can’t tell which exact species it is, either M. atlantica or M. pacifica, both of which inhabit the Gulf of Mexico.

Magnapinna – at almost 8000ft

The BP oil spill is a global disaster.  To lose any of these amazing and wonderful creatures is beyond a shame.  We should all do what we can from where we are to help – sign petitions, scream at our politicians.

Our world can no longer afford this.

Only when the last tree has died, the last river is polluted and the last fish is gone will we realize we cannot eat money.

But what do I know?

Peace 🙂

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