You won’t believe what’s beneath the surface
Ever looked out at the ocean and wondered what’s going on down there? Floating among the fish and coral is magical (you’d know once you’ve tried scuba diving), but it also makes you realize just how much we don’t know about the creatures that live in the ocean.
From glowing fish to squishy blobs, the sea is full of surprises. Here are 10 weird and wonderful marine facts that’ll make you see the ocean in a whole new light.
1. There are creatures that glow in the dark
Yes really—glow in the dark. It’s called bioluminescence, and it’s not just beautiful, it’s useful. Creatures like the anglerfish, lanternfish and some jellyfish use this light to attract prey, communicate or even scare off predators. Imagine drifting in total blackness thousands of meters below the surface and then seeing something blink, shimmer or sparkle beside you.
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There’s even a type of comb jelly that produces a rainbow effect as it moves. It’s like a rave party in the deep sea minus the music.
2. The Giant Squid was once a myth
For centuries, tales of krakens dragging ships under the sea were considered pure fantasy. But now we know that giant squid do exist—and they’re just as epic as the legends suggested. These deep-sea giants can grow up to 40 feet long with massive tentacles and eyes as big as soccer balls.
They live so deep in the ocean, we rarely see them alive. The first video footage of one swimming in the wild wasn’t captured until 2012. That’s how mysterious they still are.
3. The Blobfish isn’t actually ugly—it’s just misunderstood
You’ve probably seen photos of the blobfish floating around online, often crowned the “world’s ugliest animal”. But here’s the truth: blobfish look weird because they’re brought up from deep-sea pressure into normal atmospheric pressure. Down in their natural habitat, they actually look fairly normal. They live between 2,000 and 4,000 feet below the surface, where the pressure is over 100 times what we feel at sea level. Out of water, they collapse into that infamous gooey blob. It’s not their fault—they’re built for deep-sea survival, not photo ops.
4. The Japanese Spider Crab looks like a Sea Monster
Imagine a crab with legs stretching up to 12 feet across. That’s the Japanese spider crab, the largest known arthropod. They live off the coast of Japan, mostly at depths of 500 to 1,000 feet.
Despite their freaky appearance, they’re surprisingly docile and can live for over 100 years. Their long limbs help them navigate the ocean floor in search of food, mostly scavenging for decaying matter. I’d be lying if I said they didn’t freak me out a little—but they’re important for keeping the ocean clean.
5. Sea Turtles are Ocean Gardeners
Sea turtles aren’t just cute—they’re crucial for the ocean’s health. Green sea turtles, for example, help maintain seagrass beds by grazing on them. This prevents the grass from growing too tall and smothering other marine life.
Without sea turtles, entire ecosystems could collapse.
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6. The Vampire Squid isn’t a Bloodsucker—it’s a Recycler
With a name like vampire squid, you’d expect something terrifying. But this deep-sea creature is more of a clean-up crew than a predator. Instead of blood, it feeds on “marine snow”—a mixture of dead plankton, fecal matter and other organic debris that floats down from the upper layers of the ocean.
Its spooky appearance—black skin, webbed arms and glowing eyes—helps it blend into the darkness. But in reality, it’s one of the least aggressive animals down there. Just a misunderstood janitor of the deep sea.
7. Some Fish actually walk on the ocean floor
Yes, you read that right—some fish walk. One example is the handfish, a rare species found in Australian waters. Instead of swimming, it uses its fins like hands to stroll across the seafloor. It looks like a grumpy old man taking a walk with invisible canes.
The handfish is critically endangered, with only a few species remaining. Their walking habit might not be fast, but it’s certainly one of the most unique forms of locomotion in the sea.
8. Whales and Dolphins are basically Ocean Citizens
Dolphins and whales are more than just friendly faces—they’re some of the most intelligent animals on Earth. Dolphins can recognize themselves in mirrors, solve puzzles and use tools. Whales have distinct songs that travel for miles underwater.
Orcas (a type of dolphin) have been observed teaching hunting techniques to their young, using teamwork and strategy. Watching them work together is like witnessing a masterclass in underwater community building.
9. The Ocean Floor is still mostly Unexplored
We’ve explored more of the moon than we have of Earth’s ocean floor. About 25% of the seafloor has been mapped in detail. That means there could be thousands—possibly millions—of undiscovered species still waiting down there.
Every year new species are found near hydrothermal vents, deep trenches and undersea volcanoes. These discoveries could hold clues to evolution, new medicines or even the origins of life on Earth.
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10. If we don’t protect the Ocean, we could lose all of this
Here’s the sobering part. Climate change, pollution and overfishing are pushing many marine species to the brink. Coral reefs are bleaching, plastic is choking wildlife, and warming seas are changing migration patterns.
But there’s hope. Marine protected areas, sustainable fishing practices, and ocean clean-up initiatives are making a difference. Every time you choose reef-safe sunscreen, skip the plastic straw or support responsible seafood, you’re helping to preserve this amazing underwater world.
The Final Dive
The ocean is Earth’s final frontier—a living museum of wonders we’ve barely scratched the surface of. Some of its residents are beautiful, others bizarre, but all of them matter. For me, learning about these creatures made the ocean feel more alive, more urgent and more worthy of protection. Just look down.
