The
GEOMAR research center in Germany went on a deep-sea mission to study
biodiversity off Cape Verde. Photographer and marine biologist Solvin
Zankl set up a shipboard studio to photograph creatures brought up from
the depths, so we can get up close and personal with them, and learn a
bit about them. For example, you might think this viperfish would have
trouble chomping down with those teeth, but he has a terrifying way of
coping.
Like many other deep-sea fishes, the Sloan’s
viperfish (Chauliodus sloani) uses light-producing cells called
photophores to lure unsuspecting prey toward its mouth. Once it catches
its victim, the viperfish’s hinged teeth rotate inward to trap the
animal and force it inescapably down the predator’s gullet.
See an entire gallery of
weird deep-sea creatures at Atlas Obscura.
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