Feather Star

Image Credit : Nationalgeographic

These feathery looking creatures can be found off the shores in Singapore, generally living near coral reefs. Scuba divers who explore the Southern reefs have the opportunity to spot these unique animals, who only come out at night to feed. There are over 600 species in many colours and patterns. Interestingly, they can shed an arm or two when threatened, then grow them back a month later.

Leafy Seadragon

Image Credit : Calacademy

Native to the Southern Australian coasts, the Leafy Seadragon got their name from resembling algae and seaweed found in the sea. Their appearance allows them to easily blend into the seagrass beds where they usually live. With large heads and comparatively smaller mouths, they are adept at sucking in their prey for food. And like their seahorse counterparts, male seadragons care for their fertilised eggs until hatched.

Mantis Shrimp

Image Credit : Twofishdivers

Thriving in the tropical waters in the Pacific Ocean, these eye-catching creatures are deadly as they are pretty. Just one spike with their sharp claw will leave any prey incapacitated. They usually feed on fish, shrimp and crab, and can grow up to 20cm. Mantis shrimp live in solidarity, but are monogamous, remaining faithful to their partners for more than 20 years. Say awwww.

Sea Pen

Image Credit : Ourmarinespecies

Sea Pens seem to be able to survive anywhere— from frigid waters to warm seas, and shallow beaches to deep oceans. They can inflate and deflate by taking in water through their polyps, and eat by ingesting food through their tentacles. When stimulated, Sea Pens are able to glow, emitting a bright, greenish light. Despite their name, some species of Sea Pens lack the distinctive feather-like shape of quill pens.

Blob Sculpin

Image Credit : Flickr

We wouldn’t fault you for taking offense at this grumpy-looking sea creature. This deepwater fish resides in the Pacific’s deep bathypelagic zone off the US coast, and its diet consists of small invertebrates. Their bodies have a tadpole-like shape, while their head is adorned by its droopy mouth and face. Low muscle tone is probably to blame for giving this fish its defeated deposition, since they are mostly sedentary and waiting for food to swim by them.

Vampire Squid

Image Credit : Abc.net.au

Contrary to its name, the Vampire Squid is not an octopus or any kind of squid. It has eight arms, and probably got its name from its ‘cape’, which is just skin that covers its arms. When it is stimulated, the animal inverts its cape to reveal its large spine. Looks rather scary, but they are harmless. Vampire squids also expel a colourless, bioluminescent substance that confuse predators.

Glaucus Atlanticus

Image Credit : Oneearth.org

Don’t let its bright blue appearance fool you; this sea slug has skin laden with toxic chemicals as a means of self defence. This species can sting too, but instead of producing venom like most creatures do, it stores venom from its feeding of other creatures. The Glaucus is also supreme at camouflaging within both the waves and seafloor. It barely exceeds 3 centimeters long, and also possesses both male and female reproductive organs.

Polka Dot Nudibranch

Image Credit :  Orcanation.org

Many earnest underwater photographers love to look out for these marine molluscs that resemble an Oreo McFlurry. The Nudibranch is a picky eater, consuming only a species of blue sponge. So chances are if you spot blue sponges in the area, Nudibranchs should also be nearby. It breathes via gills, and moves slowly by swimming or propelling itself by quick but powerful muscular contractions.

Christmas Tree Worms

Image Credit : Orcanation.org

Each of these worms has two bright crowns, and a whole cluster of them look like pretty Christmas decorations. A big part of their bodies are burrowed into live coral, where they are mostly sedentary. When predators are near, they would retreat into the safety of these burrows. In unpolluted waters, these creatures can live up to 40 years, but due to climate change a realistic lifespan would be 10-20 years.

Halitrephes Maasi Jellyfish

Image Credit : Beautifulnow.is

If you think underwater fireworks aren’t possible, think again. This mysterious deep sea jellyfish is an awe-inspiring display of radiance, made more incredible by shining ship lights on the creature. The signature starburst pattern is formed by radial canals which supply the jellyfish with nutrients. Sadly, we are only able to witness this splendor through photographs taken by exploration teams as the jellyfish resides more than 1000 metres underwater.

The depths of our oceans are filled with much to explore, but you must be ready to take on the harsh conditions out there. Start by enrolling in our Condo Swimming Lessons to pick up essential life-saving and water survival skills for your future explorations today.

I’m Isabel, your friendly uni student who’s always waddling knee deep in readings and projects. But I’ll go through hell and high water to have regular suppers with my friends. You can find me with a film camera in one hand and a flat white in the other on the weekends. Also am able to rescue you if you ever capsize from a sea kayak.