Strangest Things Found in the Ocean
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00:00For today's video, I'm counting down 15 of the strangest things found in the ocean,
00:04starting with number 15, salp chains. So somewhere in our galaxy probably exists a planet
00:10predominantly covered by oceans, teeming with life that's evolved entirely underwater. Among
00:16those alien creatures is a transparent tubular organism resembling a four-inch long piece of
00:21jello. This fascinating animal propels itself through the water by drawing in water at its
00:26front and expelling it out the back, functioning like a slow-motion jet engine. This creature,
00:31known as a salp, sustains itself by filtering small particles from the water. As the water
00:36flows through its body, a strainer-like mechanism collects all food and conveys them directly to the
00:41stomach, ensuring a constant supply of nourishment. Salps have a remarkable method of reproduction,
00:46too. Once they reach maturity, they produce hundreds of offspring at once. A chain of cells
00:51emerge from their body, which divides into many tiny, identical baby salps, all connected in a
00:56long string. The salps, with their ability to form massive blooms, can cover vast areas of the ocean,
01:02consuming immense quantities of algae. This phenomenon might seem like a science fiction
01:06story, but imagine a swarm of gelatinous tubes reminiscent of alien invaders, drifting through
01:12the oceans, devouring everything in their path. Well, however, this is not a tale of a distant,
01:16unknown planet. It's a reality right here on Earth.
01:2014. Lake Vostok They say that life finds a way. Well,
01:26such is the case here at Lake Vostok. Scientists have long searched for life beyond Earth,
01:31often looking for signs of water as an indicator of potential habitability. Despite its harsh
01:36conditions, Antarctica provides an excellent location for discoveries and research. Beneath
01:41the icy surface of this continent lies Lake Vostok, one of the largest known subglacial lakes.
01:47It's hidden miles below Russia's Vostok Station on the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. The presence of
01:52this body of water could indicate the existence of living organisms yet to be discovered,
01:57which could revolutionize our understanding of how life emerges.
02:00The existence of a buried lake was first hypothesized in the 1960s, but it really
02:05wasn't confirmed until 1993. The discovery was detailed in a 1996 article in the scientific
02:10journal Nature, which integrated data collected over two decades, including radar surveys from the
02:151970s that indicated the presence of liquid water beneath the ice. This strange lake covers 5,400
02:22square miles. Both the lake and the research station nearby are named after the ship Vostok,
02:26which means East in the Russian. Accessing the lake's waters did pose a significant challenge
02:32after its existence was confirmed. In the 1990s, an international research team discovered microbes
02:37in frozen lake water collected from an accretion ice, which is water from the lake's surface that
02:42freezes onto the ice sheet above. A 2020 study found a community of microorganisms and samples
02:48of accretion and basal ice flowing into the lake. Both bacterial organisms were identified with RNA
02:54and DNA sequencing data that revealed at least 407 species of bacteria and 103 species of eukaryotes,
03:02including those involved in nitrogen cycling.
03:0513. The Purple Orb So the deep-sea discovery of the Purple Orb
03:10by researchers aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus has sparked some intrigue and curiosity.
03:16This mysterious creature, initially thought to be a nudibranch but possibly a close relative
03:21called a pleurobranch, has captivated scientists due to its unusual appearance. Located off the
03:26coast of Southern California, the Purple Orb was found at a depth of over 5,300 feet, thriving in
03:32the deep, dark ocean. Measuring only about two inches, it presents a vibrant purple hue that
03:38stands out against the backdrop of the ocean floor. What makes this fascinating is that none
03:42of the known species of deep-sea pleurobranches from California are purple, suggesting that this
03:47could potentially be a new species altogether. Close-up photos reveal a complex organism with
03:52multiple lobes resembling something out of a sci-fi narrative, and it's given a comparison
03:57often drawn to its alien-like appearance reminiscent of a brain or a slug-like structure.
04:02This visual peculiarity underscores the sheer diversity and strangeness of marine life in the
04:08deep sea. Discoveries like the Purple Orb highlight the ongoing need for deep-sea exploration to
04:13unravel the mysteries of our planet's oceans and expand our understanding of life in extreme
04:17environments. 12. Sea Sapphires
04:22Sea sapphires, a type of copepod, are extraordinary creatures known for their beauty and nearly
04:28invisible appearance. Despite their small size, usually just a few millimeters, they exhibit
04:33hues ranging from bright gold to deep blue, reminiscent of their namesake gemstone. These
04:38colors are not due to pigments but rather a fascinating phenomenon known as structural
04:43coloration. The shimmering beauty of sea sapphires is attributed to microscopic layers of crystal
04:48plates inside their cells. In blue sea sapphires, for instance, these crystal layers are spaced at
04:54intervals that precisely match the wavelength of blue light. When the light strikes these crystals,
04:59it reflects back only the blue wavelengths. This optical effect makes sea sapphires appear blue
05:05regardless of the surrounding light conditions, whether it's bright sunlight or deep-ocean
05:09darkness. Their ability to scatter and reflect light selectively makes them appear as though
05:14they're constantly changing color or shimmering. This phenomenon is akin to an oil sheen rather
05:20than a static pigmentation found in gemstones. Their social behavior, too, of sea sapphires adds
05:25another layer of mystery. Males, which display dazzling colors, swim freely in the water column,
05:30creating this mesmerizing effect of jeweled water. In contrast, females reside within the
05:35transparent bodies of barrel-shaped jellies called salps, which serve as protective homes
05:40rather than contributing to that visual spectacle. 11. Underwater Rivers
05:47Underwater rivers are one of the marvels hidden beneath the depths of our oceans,
05:52shaping landscapes and sustaining life in ways that echo their terrestrial counterparts.
05:57Imagine rivers flowing not across the plains or through canyons but deep in the sea,
06:03carved into the ocean floor by a relentless current of sediment-laden water.
06:08One of the most striking examples is the Monterey Canyon off the coast of California,
06:12where an undersea river has sculpted a canyon system rivaling the grandeur of the Grand Canyon
06:18itself. This undersea river travels through steep gorges, swirls around towering rock formations,
06:23and winds across a vast underwater plain, spanning nearly 200 miles before merging
06:28into the deep abyssal plain of the Pacific. How do these underwater rivers form? One fascinating
06:34example is found in the Gulf of Mexico, where layers of salt beneath the seafloor are dissolving
06:39by seeping seawater. This dissolution creates depressions that can fill with denser, saltier
06:45water, forming underwater lakes and rivers. These features can range from small lakes to extensive
06:50river-like channels complete with shorelines, surfaces, and even waves, albeit unseen by
06:56sunlight due to their deep-sea location. And despite the absence of sunlight, these underwater
07:01landscapes host unique ecosystems too. Massive fields of mussels thrive along the shores of
07:06these underwater lakes. Those mussels, however, are adapted to the extreme darkness and nutrient-rich
07:11conditions of the deep ocean, where sunlight penetrates minimally.
07:1610. An Egg-Covered Volcano
07:19While the recent discovery of an active underwater volcano off the Pacific coast of Canada has
07:24unveiled a realm of mystery and wonder, it showcases a surprising ecosystem that challenges
07:30our previous understanding. Located nearly a mile beneath the ocean's surface, this underwater
07:35volcano was initially thought to be dormant, surrounded by frigid waters. However, researchers
07:40aboard the exploration vessel Nautilus were astonished to find it actively spewing out
07:45hot, mineral-rich fluids, creating a warm oasis in the deep sea. What makes this discovery
07:51remarkable is the abundance of giant eggs covering the summit of the seamount. These
07:56eggs, laid by Pacific white skates, measure about one and a half feet across and number
08:01possibly in the hundreds of thousands or even millions. This nursery ground, warmed by the
08:07volcanic activity, provides an ideal environment for the development of skate embryos. The warm
08:12water likely accelerates the gestation period of the eggs, increasing the likelihood of successful
08:18hatching. These vents not only provide warmth and nutrients, but they also serve as critical
08:23nurseries for various deep-sea species, contributing to the overall health of the ocean.
08:28Moreover, this discovery underscores the need for conservation efforts to protect such vulnerable
08:32habitats from potential threats like fishing. Currently unprotected, the egg-covered seamount
08:38represents a unique ecosystem that merits further study. The whole thing also really makes you
08:43wonder what else lies in wait below the surface. The oceans are teeming with life, and it should
08:48come as no surprise that such a hostile environment for humans makes for the perfect home for something
08:53else.
08:559. Basket Star The Basket Star, a creature found in both
09:00northern and southern hemisphere waters, presents a fascinating blend of ancient lineage and
09:06extraordinary adaptation. Preferring rocky seabeds with strong currents, this creature has a unique
09:11morphology that sets it apart even among other sea stars. Resembling a traditional sea star with a
09:17five-pointed body, the Basket Star's arms diverge dramatically into a complex network of branching
09:22structures. Each arm can extend up to several feet, with secondary and tertiary branches adorned with
09:28small barbs at their tips. This elaborate arm structure serves a dual purpose as a hunting tool
09:34and a defensive mechanism. Interestingly, if threatened, the Basket Star can retract its arms
09:39tightly around its body, forming a protective ball that shields its vulnerable parts from
09:44potential predators. They're not just marvels of morphology, they're also living fossils,
09:49with a lineage dating back to Carboniferous periods spanning over 300 million years ago.
09:54They were found across diverse habitats from shallow coral reefs to the deep sea zones.
09:59These creatures have adapted to a wide range of depths, from 30 to 6,300 feet. Despite their
10:05ancient origins, these Basket Stars have evolved flexible bodies devoid of bones and blood, yet
10:11they're equipped with a sophisticated nervous system. This allows them to thrive in cold,
10:15remote environments where they can live up to 35 years. Their ability to endure the high pressure
10:20and exhibit fluid movements reflects their adaptation to deep sea life.
10:25Number 8. The Vasa Shipwreck. The Vasa Ship, renowned as one of the most advanced warships
10:31of its time, embarked on a tragic journey that ultimately became a cautionary tale in maritime
10:37history. Commissioned by the Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus, Vasa was meant to showcase the nation's
10:42naval prowess with its impressive size, ornate decorations, and unprecedented armament of 64
10:49bronze cannons. However, on its maiden voyage in 1628, Vasa faced a disastrous fate. Despite being
10:56a marvel of engineering, the ship sank within 20 minutes of leaving port in Stockholm. The exact
11:02cause of this sinking has been attributed to various factors, including design flaws and
11:06inadequate stability. This swift demise left the King and onlookers in shock, and it was a stark
11:13reminder of the dangers inherent in pushing technological boundaries. Over three centuries
11:18later, in a remarkable archaeological endeavor, Swedish marine archaeologists discovered Vasa's
11:23sister ship in the waters near Vaxholm, an island near Stockholm. This discovery stirred renewed
11:28interest in the historical context of the Vasa and its ill-fated journey. Despite challenges and risks,
11:34a salvage operation was remarkably successful, with over 1,300 dives conducted over two years
11:40without any serious accidents. The recovery and subsequent preservation of Vasa have provided
11:45invaluable insights into 17th century naval architecture and craftsmanship. The ship's
11:50carvings, which depict stories of the Swedish royal family, offer a small window into the
11:54cultural and political aspirations of the time. Today, Vasa stands as a museum piece in Stockholm,
12:00meticulously restored and serving as a tangible reminder of both the heights of Swedish naval
12:05ambition and the consequences of technological hubris. Moving on to number seven, black smokers.
12:14Hydrothermal vents, they're among the most mysterious environments on earth, hidden deep
12:18beneath the ocean surface where sunlight cannot penetrate. These geological marvels, akin to hot
12:24springs on the sea floor, arise from the dynamic interaction of tectonic plates and the earth's
12:29molten mantle. As Maggie, an expert in marine biology, explains, hydrothermal vents form along
12:35a divergent plate boundary. Here, the oceanic crust is stretched and fractured, creating pathways for
12:40seawater to seep deep into the earth's crust. This water later encounters the scorching heat of the
12:45mantle, reaching temperatures exceeding 400 degrees Celsius. Laden with dissolved minerals
12:51and gases, this superheated fluid becomes buoyant and rises back towards the surface.
12:56Now, despite these extreme conditions at the point of venting, where temperatures can scald
13:00anything in close proximity, the surrounding environment quickly moderates as the fluids
13:05mix with cooler seawater. The study of the hydrothermal vents has been a journey of discovery
13:11and technological innovation. Initially, these deep-sea wonders eluded our detection until 1977,
13:16when a black smoker was first observed near the Galapagos Islands. Since then, exploring these
13:22sites has required specialized equipment, such as remotely operated vehicles and manned submersibles.
13:27Studying these vents does remain challenging, though, due to their remote and inaccessible
13:32locations. But these environments offer us profound insights into the origins of life on earth.
13:37They may well have played a pivotal role in the early evolution of life on earth,
13:41offering a refuge from the harsh conditions prevailing on the planet's surface billions of
13:45years ago. 6. Baltic Methane Bubbles
13:51The Baltic Sea, typically known for its serene water and coastal charm, harbors a surprising
13:57and concerning secret deep beneath the surface – methane gas leaks. Located in the Lundstorp
14:02Deep, about 18 miles off the coast of Sweden, this phenomenon spans more than seven square
14:07miles of seabed at a depth of approximately 1,300 feet. Scientists Christian Strahn and
14:13Marcelo Ketzer have been astounded by the scale of this methane release. Methane gas can bubble
14:19out from shallow coastal seabeds in the Baltic Sea, but it's the intensity of these bubbles
14:23specifically that raises eyebrows. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, forms naturally in the
14:28sedimentary layers of seabeds worldwide. It consists of carbon and hydrogen, and it's about
14:3380% more effective at trapping heat than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period, contributing
14:38significantly to our global warming. The accumulation of methane in the Baltic's deep ocean
14:43currents is a puzzling discovery that researchers aim to unravel further. Christian Strahn speculates
14:49on the mechanics behind powerful methane bubbles. Despite the depth, these bubbles rise remarkably
14:54high, over 1,200 feet from the seabed, as monitored by sonar. The persistence and strength
15:00of these methane bubbles in reaching the sea's surface suggest an environmental condition
15:04possibly related to the oxygen-poor environment of the Baltic Sea.
15:095. Pyrosomes Pyrosomes, scientifically classified
15:14under the genus Pyrosoma, are remarkable free-floating clonal tunicates that predominantly
15:20inhabit the upper layers of warm, ocean-open waters. These cylindrical or cone-shaped colonies,
15:25aptly nicknamed sea pickles, among other colorful names like sea worms and firebodies, can reach
15:31impressive lengths of up to 60 feet and are composed of hundreds of thousands of individual
15:36organisms known as zooids. Each zooid within a pyrosome colony is pretty tiny, measuring only
15:42a few millimeters, yet they work collectively with the common gelatinous tunic. Each zooid draws in
15:47seawater through those perforations, filtering out microscopic plant cells using its branchial
15:52basket, a specialized mesh-like structure. After extracting nutrients, the filtered water is
15:57expelled into the central cavity of the colony. Recent research, as conducted near the Cabo Verde
16:02Islands by scientists using advanced underwater observation tools, has revealed the ecological
16:08importance of pyrosomes in marine environments. These studies have highlighted their role as
16:13crucial substrates for other marine organisms, providing shelter, settlement areas,
16:17and a food source. Pyrosomes contribute significantly to the marine carbon cycle,
16:22particularly through their vertical migrations and deposition of organic carbon in deeper ocean
16:27layers. 4. The Flying Spaghetti Monster
16:32Found deep beneath the waves off the coast of Angola, the mysterious creature known as the
16:37Bathysa conifer has captured fascination of marine biologists. Initially spotted by workers
16:43from BP using a remotely operated underwater vehicle, this creature earned its moniker,
16:48the spaghetti monster, owing to its uncanny resemblance to the deity of the Church of the
16:53Flying Spaghetti Monster. Later identified as a siphonophore by researchers at the National
16:58Oceanography Center in Southampton, England, B. conifer belongs to a unique group of animals
17:03related to jellyfish. These creatures are composed of numerous multicellular organisms
17:09known as zooids. Each one is specialized to perform specific tasks essential for their survival.
17:14Unlike some of its relatives, it lacks a nectosome, a feature that typically aids
17:19in propulsion through the water. What sets it apart are its long tentacles, which resemble
17:24delicate strands of angel hair, distinguishing it within its taxonomic group. Additionally,
17:29it also possesses patera, or wings, near the pneumatophore, although these appendages are
17:34not used for capturing prey, but likely aid in locomotion. Understanding this requires a
17:39specialized equipment such as an ROV, which enables scientists to explore the deep-sea
17:43environments where these creatures live. These expeditions provide valuable insights into the
17:47ecology and behavior of these organisms, shedding light on their role in marine ecosystems.
17:533. Siphonophores
17:56A siphonophore is much more than the sum of its parts. In fact, none of its parts could
18:01function on their own. Each siphonophore is actually a colony of individual parts called
18:06zooids, which are produced as the siphonophore grows. Each zooid has a distinct job within the
18:12colony, some catch prey while others digest it, and still others reproduce, swim, and keep the
18:17colony upright. Scientists have found over 175 species of siphonophores in habitats ranging
18:23from near-coastal regions to the ocean twilight zone and the seafloor. Deep-water species are
18:29often dark orange or red in coloration and are bioluminescent, glowing green, blue, and sometimes
18:34red, a function that likely attracts prey. Siphonophores use their numerous tentacles to
18:39sting and trap their prey, injecting a toxin to incapacitate them. If you've ever touched a
18:44Portuguese man o' war, you've encountered this trait firsthand. These creatures of the ocean
18:48open are often flashy in both abstract and the literal sense, thanks to the flickering luminosity
18:54of many marine organisms. But maybe more fantastic than glittering squid and glowing, frilled fish
19:00are a group of animals that resemble nothing more than globs of gelatin or tangles of twine.
19:05Found in all oceans and all ocean depths, these animals are abundant and adaptive.
19:10They're organisms that seem like loners as they float through the open ocean, but
19:14single siphonophore is actually composed of thousands of tiny individuals. Some protect
19:18the colony and some propel the colony through the ocean. Others catch or process prey or keep
19:23the colony afloat. In fact, these little zooids are so fine-tuned for their specific tasks that
19:28they're often unable to survive on their own. This siphonophore group contains creatures that grow
19:33to lengths of over 150 feet, making them some of the longest animals alive today and one of
19:39the strangest things ever found in the deep. 2. Makozilla
19:45In 2013, fishers off Southern California reeled in an enormous 11-foot-long Mako shark. Weighing
19:52over 1,300 pounds, the animal, dubbed the Beast, was one of the heaviest Mako sharks ever recorded.
19:59This colossal catch sparked curiosity and concern among marine biologists and fishermen,
20:04leading to questions about whether such giant Makos were anomalies or indicative of a larger
20:10trend among the shortfin Mako shark population. In recent years, seals along the California coast
20:15have been found with wounds indicating they've been attacked by large shortfin Mako sharks
20:19measuring over 12 feet. This finding was surprising, as shortfin Makos typically only
20:24grow to around 7 feet. However, these sharks can get much bigger. In the 1950s, off the coast of
20:30Turkey, fishers reeled in a Mako measuring over 19 feet long. Through a series of experiments,
20:36the team gathered bite impressions on bait and measured the animals as they swam alongside the
20:40boat. One shark was at least 12 feet long, while an analysis of the bite marks revealed another
20:46that was at least 14 feet long. This was then compared with DNA from the Beast and another
20:51large Mako caught years earlier. The results showed that the sharks were related, though it
20:56was unclear how closely they were related. Inbreeding among the population may explain the
21:00link. However, these Makos may be bigger than average because of the abundance of food available
21:05off the west coast. The Marine Protection Act of 1972, which prevented the killing of seals and
21:11sea lions, resulted in a buffet for sharks. The risks, researchers have pointed out, is that
21:16fishers are currently allowed to catch two Makos per day, a rule that could potentially have
21:22devastating consequences for this population. Experts all agree, though, that it's critically
21:27important for the rest of us to understand that we need these sharks in the marine environment,
21:32no matter how intimidating their size may be. Number one, the cookie cutter shark. Ah,
21:39the cookie cutter shark. It's a member of the sleeper shark family and belongs to the order
21:44of squaliforms. Think dogfish sharks. It's one of the ocean's most peculiar and fascinating predators.
21:51Physically, it resembles a typical dogfish with a long, thin body and short cone-shaped snout,
21:57and no anal fin. Its skin is grayish-brown, with a darker brown area along the throat and gills
22:03and a lighter belly. Now, this shark derives its name from the unique cookie-shaped wounds it leaves
22:08on prey. It is also known as the cigar shark due to its body shape, but the cookie cutter shark
22:13inhabits the deep waters of warmer regions. Adult males can grow up to 16 inches long and females
22:19can reach up to 22 inches. Not really much, and yet despite its small size, this shark employs a
22:24fascinating effective feeding method. At night, it moves closer to the surface, staying at least 300
22:30feet deep to feed. Its mouth, with small erect teeth in the upper jaw and large triangular teeth
22:35in the lower, is adapted to take circular bites out of the flesh of larger marine animals like
22:40dolphins. These bites aren't fatal, but they leave a characteristic wound. The shark's feeding
22:46mechanism is as unique as its appearance. The light emitted from its belly, caused by
22:51bioluminescent photophores, attracts larger fish. The dark patch around its throat creates the
22:56illusion of a smaller fish against the glowing underside, luring larger predators. The shark's
23:02diet includes whole squid and crustaceans, and despite its small size, with males growing to a
23:07maximum of about 16.5 inches and females about 22, this shark targets much larger play, including
23:13whales and seals. The cookie-cutter shark's bioluminescence is another remarkable trait.
23:18Its belly emits that greenish glow thanks to a dense network of photophores covering its
23:22ventral surface, except for the dark collar around its gills. This glow can last up to
23:27three hours after the shark's death, serving to attract prey even post-mortem. Interestingly,
23:32this shark sheds all its teeth simultaneously, unlike other sharks that lose them one at a time.
23:38It even swallows the shed lower teeth, possibly to recycle calcium for its body.
23:43It has about 30-37 smaller upper teeth and about 25-31 larger lower teeth.
23:49Thanks for watching everyone, I think we're going to need a bigger boat.