How are creatures adapted to live in the dark depths of the ocean?

How are creatures adapted to live in the dark depths of the ocean?

The deep ocean is a very inhospitable place to survive. The temperature of the water is icy, sunlight does not ever reach below 1000 feet, and the pressure of the water is crushing. To survive these hostile conditions, creatures have special adaptations. For instance, many predators of the deep sea have huge mouths and stomachs that can stretch to take in huge meals. This is necessary because the chances of coming across other animals to prey upon are rate and each opportunity for a meal must be taken, however large.

The light in the deep ocean comes mostly form the photophores located in different parts of the bodies of the creatures that live there. This light is used to attract or locate a prey or a mate or to confuse an enemy. Deep-sea fish have a natural buoyancy which makes them hover when not swimming in the tremendous pressure. This is made possible because they have thin, lightweight skeletons and muscles.

The red colour of the prawn’s body is a good camouflage in the deep. In the dim light, red appears black and they blend into the background. At depths that are still below, prawns are almost colourless as there is no need for camouflage. The total blackness there hides them from predators.