Ocean

We are all familiar with dolphins, whales and sharks; we know what tuna and snapper look like, but what about some less familiar fish such as lizardfish, giant squid, or blind eels? There are so many lesser known animals in the depths of the ocean that we hear little or nothing about most times, it is interesting to investigate a few of these creatures and understand them a little more.

The first on our list of deep sea creatures is the fangtooth fish. This fish is one of the most evil looking ocean predators. It lives in the deep ocean and catches its prey by luring them in with glowing light organs called photophores. In such a dark abyss, fish are attracted to the light put off by the organ and once they are close enough the fangtooth fish catches them in his numerous large teeth. He looks like an underwater vampire.

Another carnivorous sea animal is the deep-sea lizardfish. These interesting fish look almost like a short snake in water. Their mouths are covered with harpoon-tipped teeth that grasp their prey and don’t let go, similar to a fish hook. These teeth are hinged so that they can flattened down when prey is going in and stand up when resisting. They don’t even need to actively swallow; the struggling prey just ratchets itself inside. With their glowing yellow eyes, the lizardfish is a wonder to behold.

Often called the nastiest fish in the ocean, the blind eel is next on our list. These fish are called blind eels because they have such small, ineffective eyes. Who needs eyes when you are living in almost complete darkness? They prey on live or dead fish which they locate through smell. They have circular mouths that they use to suck on their prey. They have tooth-studded tongues that allow them to cut through their victims flesh and literally eat them from the inside out. They are also sometimes called slime eels because their skin emits a sticky slime, up to a gallon at a time. It is used to suffocate predators by clogging their gills when they attempt to eat the eel.

The last of our unusual deep sea animals, giant squid, has been the subject of tall tales for centuries. Until recently, however, these tales were dismissed as fiction. The only information we have on them comes from finding pieces of their bodies in the stomachs of sperm whales, or those that have been washed up on shore. Another area where their existence is apparent is on the skin of sperm whales where giant sucker scars can be seen after what must be epic battles between the two huge creatures. Giant squid can grow to the size of a school bus or bigger. They are carnivorous and have a long, torpedo shaped body. At one end, surrounding a beak-like mouth strong enough to cut through steel cable, are five pairs of arms. One pair, thinner and longer than the rest, is used to catch food and bring it to the mouth. Just past the mouth are the eyes, eyes that are the largest in the animal kingdom, getting as big as eighteen inches across. They are nearly impossible to photograph alive because they live in such deep waters.

It is interesting to think about what other types of deep sea animals exist that we haven’t yet discovered. What wonders does the bottom of the ocean hold and can we ever know? With modern technology constantly searching for new ways to study the ocean floor, the possibility of finding new creatures becomes more real every day. For a world who thinks they have seen it all, the deep, deep ocean still holds the hope for something new.

Copyright 2006 Emma Snow

Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable http://www.riding-stable.com.

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Nymphs have preferred to live by the sea, encircled by woodland and cliffs. Ocean waters mimic plasma of the blood, rejuvenating the senses and arousing the soul. The rhythmic forces of the deep surround as you gather in your bounty of fish, seaweed, shells, seafood, driftwood, and sublime treasures ceaseless reminders of the magick cycles of nature.

This is the ideal situation — to detach from cities, noise, and melancholy air; and seek the mysteries of the earth and stars in silence. For centuries, the seawitch has sought the fir-green woods for its pureness and privacy. The cliffs offer retreat and cool air, while an aloof spot by the flushing waves nestles you in an orb of wonder. In your sacred cottage you write as you will; dawdle over alchemy experiments and develop a spontaneous oneness with your precious herb garden. Here, you learn the way of the ancient ones as you take small steps in life. You coax the perfume from flowers; search the reason of plants, partake of the expressive joy in parchment and pen. The elementals flitter around you, and high spirits fan kisses of wisdom. You note all of this in your drifting days, which are seemingly longer than in the city. Energy is observed in wispy forms. This is the awe of magick.

Centuries ago it was possible to reside in seclusion; today we need a shield against intrusions that bleep every second. Decide where your peace is and place yourself there, for you know where you ought to be. Money and convenience are the concrete thoughts of a scared society where rigid egos refuse to ascend. What will be left at the end of these days of yours? Look into your palm now. Does it show gouged lines of survival? Pass by fear and heaviness and be determined to find the core of your existence. You do not have to let go… but you can. Yield, so that every part of you might come forth.

Suppose you find a witch’s nook and charge your soul to live with vigor? First, you shall be astonished at the fading of sounds; annoyances you trained your mind to ignore. Now there is nothing to clang the subtle undulations when you think. It’s a little unnerving at first, until you start picking up the crisp vibrations of nature. Simple, yet tranquillizing sounds such as a bird releasing its inner self. You note the fish, gliding through glassy water, the syrup of a plucked vegetable, and the multifaceted tones in an autumn forest. Be jealous of the first apple that was tasted by your awakened love. Spend endearing nights gazing into the flashes of a red cellophane fire while knitting a wool shawl in patterns of the ocean, such as Old Shale, Cockle Shell, Crest Of The Wave or Aran cables. Cuddle your feet in the warm pods of Llama socks. Feel the vim of a zesty orange cake hand-stirred with butter, eggs and wrinkly vanilla beans. Slide your tongue over the wooden spoon. Did you realize when you were mixing it that you were indeed performing a spell? (manifesting a deliberate thought)

The sea witch has many places of hidden delights. She has water caves to romp in and an ocean to float upon. There are ancient trees and unknown doors. She sees bursting seedlings leap in jubilance to the powerful sun, and watches the intensity of a cat’s eye. She sells at the markets and keeps herself free. She straddles the wheel of fortune, and has thrown her shoes to the west wind. Enter into nature’s vivacity and the spirit of Artemis will bestow upon you a frisky life.

“Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.” (Albert Einstein)

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

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Esmerelda Jones… The Knitting Wench
Writer Of Desires
Writer Of Old Curiosities

Victoriana, Victorian Swoon, Gods & Goddesses: The Wisdom And Pleasures of Ancient Greece, Classic Romance, Poems For The Passionate, Whimsical Tales, Bushrangers & Australian Pioneer, Ghosts I Have Known, gypsy knitting. Ratings and comments delightfully accepted.

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