Deep Sea Fish | List of Fish that Live in the Deep Sea with Pictures

For many, the depths of the sea remain inaccessible and remote, influencing the living world in diverse ways. Within the 70% of the Earth’s surface covered by oceans, a staggering 90% of the volume consists of the darkness and chill of the deep sea.

Inhabiting the deep sea, fish endure extreme conditions, including exposure to high pressure, abrupt temperature fluctuations, and a light-deprived environment. These deep sea fish boast an unconventional and often intimidating appearance, resembling creatures of the abyss, adapted to the extreme circumstances of light deprivation and high pressure. Despite these challenges, some fish species have successfully adapted to life in the deep sea environment.

Deep Sea Fish

What Are Deep Sea Fish?

Deep sea fish live in the ocean depths where extreme conditions rule – complete darkness and high pressure.

These fish have unique adaptations such as:

• bone reduction
• reduced muscle mass
• limited locomotion
• large jaws
• enormous stomach
• slowed metabolism
• bioluminescence and more.

List of Deep Sea Fish

• Viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)
• Fangtooth (Anoplogaster cornuta)
• Pacific blackdragon (Idiacanthus antrostomus)
• Tripod spiderfish (Bathypterois grallator)
• Prickly lanternfish (Myctophum asperum)
• The black ruff (Centrolophus niger)

Characteristic Species of Deep Sea Fish

Viperfish (Chauliodus sloani)

The Viperfish, a member of the Stomiidae family, thrives at depths ranging from 200 to 4700 meters. This distinct creature is characterized by its elongated body, silvery hue, and bioluminescent properties. Notably, its defining feature is its unusually long and sharp teeth, which protrude from its mouth.

These unique fish can grow up to 35 centimeters in length. They are primarily found in the warm regions of the mid-Atlantic, the northern Indian Ocean, and the eastern Pacific, north of the Equator. Additionally, Viperfish have been observed in the Mediterranean, as well as the South and East China Seas.

Fangtooth (Anoplogaster cornuta)

The Fangtooth (Anoplogaster cornuta) is a deep-sea predator possessing remarkable adaptations for hunting prey, including large, flexible jaws equipped with sharp teeth. This species also features luminous organs known as photophores across its body.

Known to be a nocturnal feeder, the Fangtooth hunts near the water’s surface during the night, while it retreats to deeper depths during the daytime.

Pacific blackdragon (Idiacanthus antrostomus)

The Pacific Blackdragon is characterized by its black, snake-like body and prominent, sizable teeth. Notably, the females of this species are approximately four times longer than the males. Employing a unique strategy for hunting, the Pacific Blackdragon lures its prey with a luminous organ situated at the end of its whisker-like protrusion extending from the lower jaw. Additionally, it possesses luminous organs along its abdomen. This deep-sea fish is known to feed closer to the water’s surface during the night, preying on smaller fish.

Tripod spiderfish (Bathypterois grallator)

This fish emerges from the ocean floor using a tripod-like structure formed by elongated rods from its ventral and caudal fins. It primarily feeds on shrimp, utilizing its large-mouthed opening. Despite its small eyes, its pectoral fins feature a complex, branched neural network.

Prickly lanternfish (Myctophum asperum)

Belonging to the Myctophiformes family, this deep-sea fish serves as a crucial component of the oceanic food chain, with its diet primarily consisting of planktonic shrimp. Known as the Prickly Lanternfish, this species features luminous organs located on both its head and body.

The black ruff (Centrolophus niger)

This deep-sea fish is known to live individually or in small groups. Its body is spindle-shaped and laterally flattened, featuring a black color on the back and a gray shade on the belly. With a potential growth of up to 150 centimeters, it occasionally ventures into shallower waters despite primarily inhabiting the depths. Juvenile specimens typically display transverse dark stripes on their flanks and reside in close proximity to the water’s surface. Spawning occurs throughout autumn and winter, with their diet comprising mollusks, fish, and jellyfish. The Black Ruff is abundant in the Eastern Atlantic and South Pacific regions.

Facts about Deep sea Fish

• Despite their frightening appearance, most deep-sea fish are relatively small, typically ranging between 2 and 30 centimeters in length. These fish exhibit slow respiration rates, with tissues characterized by high water content and low protein levels, enabling them to endure prolonged periods without food, utilizing energy primarily for sustenance rather than tissue development.
• Species inhabiting the depths devoid of sunlight have evolved special adaptations, including the ability of bioluminescence to respond to the environment’s darkness. Bioluminescence, resulting from a chemical reaction between a luciferin molecule and oxygen, often emits light in hues of light blue-green or green, as these wavelengths can travel farthest through the seawater.
• Carnivorous by nature, deep-sea fish primarily feed on zooplankton, larger invertebrates, and other fish. Adapted to the pitch-black conditions, these fish typically possess diminutive eyes and rely heavily on their heightened sensitivity to water vibrations for navigation.
• Sexual dimorphism is prevalent among deep-sea organisms, with females commonly larger than their male counterparts. However, mounting human activities in oceans and seas have led to a rapid and perilous decline in the marine flora, fauna, and their habitats. As a proactive measure, the establishment of protected marine areas worldwide is crucial for safeguarding the numerous plant and animal species residing within aquatic ecosystems.
• The key to protecting habitats, preserving biodiversity, and restoring oceanic ecosystems lies in the implementation of fully protected marine areas, also known as reserves or sanctuaries. Building a comprehensive global network of environmentally representative protected zones is essential for ensuring the survival of our oceans and seas.