Tompot Blenny Georgie Bull

Eight scary sea creatures that exist

3 minute read

Who needs make-believe monsters when we have real-life scary sea creatures?

Our ocean contains some of the scariest creatures that you may ever see. Take a look at just some of our favourites which give us chills below!

1. Angler fish

Anglerfish Super Joseph

Credit: Superjoseph via Shutterstock

The charming good looks of the anglerfish remain hidden in the dark, as it uses a bright lure to bring unassuming prey up close to its sharp teeth. The male black devil anglers could perhaps be considered sex pests – after finding a female, they latch on and don’t let go!

2. Stargazer

Stargazer fish James Van Den Broek

Credit: James Van Den Broek via Shutterstock

This beauty sits just beneath the sand with only its eyes and sharp teeth poking out, ready to ambush its prey. It packs a punch with venomous spines and gives electric shocks.

3. Vampire squid

Vampire Squid Noaa Mbari

Credit: Noaa Mbari

In the dark depths of the sea, this red-eyed squid has webbed arms that look like the jet black cape of a vampire when raised in defence. Using jet propulsion to ‘fly’ through the water, it expels a sticky cloud of bioluminescent mucus from the tips of its arms. It probably doesn't like garlic.

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4. Viper fish

Viper Fish Gavin Mills

Credit: Gavin Mills/freeimages.com

These deep-sea fish attract their prey using a light at the end of their long dorsal spine that flashes on and off above their head. Its teeth are so big, the viperfish can’t even close its mouth. Good when it goes to the dentist, bad for its digestive system.

5. Lamprey

Pacific Lamprey Sean Connolly

Credit: Sean Connolly

This prehistoric, parasitic fish could also star in a horror film. It detects vibrations in the water then latches onto its prey, feeding on flesh or sucking blood. The Lamprey is a protected species and their return to UK rivers is a symbol of improved water quality.

6. Scorpion fish

Scorpionfish Georgie Bull

Credit: Georgie Bull

This camouflage expert has skin flaps that help it blend in perfectly with its surroundings, aiding its strategy as a ‘sit and wait’ Jack the Ripper style predator. It’s one of the most poisonous fish in the world and its large mouth allows it to swallow prey whole.

7. Red-toothed trigger fish

Red Tooth Triggerfish SeraphP

Credit: SeraphP via Shutterstock

This little fish looks dressed up for a Halloween party with its bright red ‘fangs’. Feeding on plankton and sponges, the reality is that the red-toothed triggerfish is all gun and no bullet.

8. Bobbit worm

Bobbit Worm Sarawut Kundej

Credit: Sarawut Kundej via Shutterstock

This worm may look fairly harmless waiting in the sand with only a small amount of its body on show. But it's what lies beneath that makes it appear sinister, because the rest of its body can grow up to 10ft long. The speed at which the worm attacks and the power of its mouth can snap its prey clean in two. It then injects a toxin to stun or kill its prey.

Why these sea 'monsters' need our help

Though these species may all appear frightening to us, the scariest thing we can imagine would be if these unique creatures disappeared from our sea. Ocean threats such as increased sea temperatures caused by climate change, ocean pollution and unregulated fishing may begin to have a big effect on these fish and their habitats if we don't take action soon.

To make sure this doesnt happen, we are working hard to restore our blue spaces for wildlife, people, and the planet.

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