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11 sea creatures out of your worst nightmares

THE next time you go swimming at that stunning island, keep in mind that these totally creepy creatures could be lurking underneath ...

Kate Schneider and Travel Editor
less than 2 min read
September 24, 2014 - 12:16PM
Yes, these creatures live in the sea ...
Yes, these creatures live in the sea ...

THE next time you go swimming at that stunning island, keep in mind that what lurks beneath the water may not be quite as pretty.

Here are 11 of the creepiest underwater creatures on the planet, according to a list by Distractify.com. One thing’s for sure, the world is a wonderfully weird place.

1. Sarcastic fringehead

No, it’s not a cheeky child with a bad haircut, This is one fearless, ferocious fish that tend to hid inside shells or crevices in the Pacific and off the coast of North America.

2. Goblin Shark

This strange-looking shark has a bunch of sharp teeth, but it’s found in deep water and has no interest in humans. Phew.

Credit :Dianne Bray / Museum Victoria Goblin Shark
Credit :Dianne Bray / Museum Victoria Goblin Shark

3. Water bear (Tardigrade)

This tiny, water-dwelling animal can live for more than 200 years and survive trips to space. It’s the toughest creature on Earth.

4. Sea spiders

Yep, spiders live in the water too.

Underwater spiders are creepy. Picture: Rohrlach
Underwater spiders are creepy. Picture: Rohrlach

5. Bobbit worm

The bobbit worm snaps on their passing prey with incredible speed.

6. Mola Mola

The heaviest of all bony fish, it can reach 4.2 metres long and 3.1 metres wide, and weigh in at an astounding 2268 kilograms. It's often mistaken for a shark due to its huge fins.

Now that’s a huge fish!
Now that’s a huge fish!
They have huge dorsal fins, so are often mistaken for sharks from above. Picture: Brian Snelson
They have huge dorsal fins, so are often mistaken for sharks from above. Picture: Brian Snelson

7. Ribbon Eel

These eels change colour and sex during their life, and grow as long as 1.3m. They live on coral reefs, and their nostril flaps sense vibrations in the water.

I see you ... Picture: iStock
I see you ... Picture: iStock

8. Barreleye

This is one brainy animal. The barreleye’s head is totally transparent, exposing more than we’d care to see ...

The barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) has extremely light-sensitive eyes that can rotate within a transparent, fluid-filled shield on its head. The bright green eyes point upward (as shown here) when the fish is looking for food overhead. They point forward when the fish is feeding. The two spots above the fish's mouth are olfactory organs called nares, which are analogous to human nostrils.
The barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) has extremely light-sensitive eyes that can rotate within a transparent, fluid-filled shield on its head. The bright green eyes point upward (as shown here) when the fish is looking for food overhead. They point forward when the fish is feeding. The two spots above the fish's mouth are olfactory organs called nares, which are analogous to human nostrils.

9. Blowfish

The blowfish lives off the coasts of mainland Australia and Tasmania. They’re rarely seen by humans, though, because they inhabit deep water at depths between 600 and 1200m.

10. Squidworm

With 10 tentacle-like appendages on its face, this creature is appropriately named.

11. Red-lipped batfish

Found mostly in the deep waters of the Galápagos Islands, this fish can “walk” on the sea floor using its fins. And, well, check out their lips.

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-updates/travel-stories/11-sea-creatures-out-of-your-worst-nightmares/news-story/7ffa4d541716d46dafd490a949194f9d