Nightmarish, Toothy Lizard Fish Found in Ocean Deep
Researchers exploring Australia's deep sea found this menacing-looking, rarely seen creature.
A month-long voyage to explore the depths of Australia's oceans has turned up a multitude of deep-sea creatures fearsome enough to haunt your dreams.
So far, the research team aboard the Investigator, a research vessel from the Australian Marine National Facility, has found a dragon fish that glows in the dark, carnivorous sponges that wield lethal weapons, a spine-chilling sea spider, and a fish that doesn't have a face.
"Jelly and fangs," is how chief scientist Tim O'Hara described the abyss where he found his most nightmarish catch yet—the deep-sea lizard fish (Bathysaurux ferox).
The fish was retrieved from a beam trawl trailing through Australia's eastern abyss, where John Pogonoski from the Australian National Fish Collection immediately recognized the rarely seen predator.
“I noticed the long dorsal fin base characteristic of Bathysaurus ferox (the only other species in the genus, Bathysaurus mollis, has a short dorsal fin base and a very small second dorsal fin near the tail)," Pogonoski said in a press release. "The large eyes and teeth are classical features of an ambush predator.”
Deep-sea lizard fish grow to be roughly two feet in length. In addition to their characteristically menacing mouth of teeth, they have large, greenish black eyes that protrude from their heads.
The fish can be found at a depth of anywhere from 3,000 feet to over 8,000 feet below the surface, meaning it isn't often seen by people. Their population is distributed in the depths of both the Atlantic and Indo-West Pacific oceans.
In the ocean's depths, deep-sea lizard fish are solitary and are found few and far between. They are ambush predators, meaning they find their prey by lying in wait. When prey swims by these monsters of the deep, they seize them in their mouths, which have numerous flexible teeth that move prey further into the back of its mouth.
Food can be hard for these lizard fish to find at the bottom of the ocean, and mates are even more sparse. In order to maximize chances of reproduction, these fish have evolved into hermaphrodites, possessing both male and female organs, which allows them to mate with any member of their species that crosses their path.
The team of 30 international scientists and technicians will continue exploring Australia's eastern abyss until mid-June. They plan to use their surveys of the ocean floor to map and better understand the region's biodiversity.
You May Also Like
Go Further
Animals
- Move over, honeybees—America's 4,000 native bees need a day in the sunMove over, honeybees—America's 4,000 native bees need a day in the sun
- Surveillance Safari: Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa
- Paid Content
Surveillance Safari: Crowdsourcing an anti-poaching movement in South Africa - Fireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state parkFireflies are nature’s light show at this West Virginia state park
- These are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and colorThese are the weird reasons octopuses change shape and color
- Why young scientists want you to care about 'scary' speciesWhy young scientists want you to care about 'scary' species
Environment
- What rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlifeWhat rising temperatures in the Gulf of Maine mean for wildlife
- He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?He’s called ‘omacha,’ a dolphin that transforms into a man. Why?
- The northernmost flower living at the top of the worldThe northernmost flower living at the top of the world
- This beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on NigeriaThis beautiful floating flower is wreaking havoc on Nigeria
- What the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disasterWhat the Aral Sea might teach us about life after disaster
History & Culture
- Scientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramidsScientists find evidence of ancient waterway beside Egypt’s pyramids
- This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?This thriving society vanished into thin air. What happened?
Science
- Why pickleball is so good for your body and your mindWhy pickleball is so good for your body and your mind
- Extreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at riskExtreme heat can be deadly – here’s how to know if you’re at risk
- Why dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a rewardWhy dopamine drives you to do hard things—even without a reward
- What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?What will astronauts use to drive across the Moon?
- Oral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuriesOral contraceptives may help lower the risk of sports injuries
- How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
- Science
How stressed are you? Answer these 10 questions to find out.
Travel
- The ‘Yosemite of South America’ is an adventure playgroundThe ‘Yosemite of South America’ is an adventure playground
- These farmers make it possible for hikers to access Alpine trailsThese farmers make it possible for hikers to access Alpine trails
- A guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadowA guide to Philadelphia, the US city stepping out of NYC's shadow
- How to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplingsHow to make perfect pierogi, Poland's famous dumplings
- The best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard ofThe best long-distance Alpine hike you've never heard of