In the arms race that has been developing for countless eons in the depths of the ocean, camouflage is one of the best strategies, with the goal of making yourself as invisible as possible to predators.
There is a difference between the different layers of ocean depth. This difference can easily be measured by how much light manages to penetrate it. This difference causes a huge change in the hunting strategies of the various predators. In depths of 600-1000 meters, the sunlight is barely present. The little light that gets through is enough to expose the shadowy figures of colorful creatures.
The predators of these depths dive down and wait for prey to pass over the bright background above them, so they can easily identify it.
When you go down further than 1000 meters, the red wavelength of light actually doesn't penetrate the waters anymore, and so red and dark organisms are practically invisible. At this depth, most predators use their own light (what is also called bio-luminescence) to hunt. This ability attracts curious fish in its direction, so the predator can just wait and let them come to it.
In such cases, the best a fish could hope for is to be red or dark, a color that swallows the specific light this phenomena creates. But for those creatures living at medium depths, life is challenging. They must deal not only with the predators who are hunting by instinct, as well as those hunting by bio-luminescence. If they are transparent then they are exposed to the predators above them, but if they are dark colored they are exposed to the predators below them.
The octopus and the squid, who live in these depths, have developed a unique tactic for survival. Their default is a transparent body, that leaves only their eyes and intestines visible. In this condition, the rays of light pass through them without making shadows that could get them caught.
And as they dive, their camouflage works in such a way, that the moment a blue light is shining on them, their bodies immediately becomes either red or black, so they do not return the light.
The sheer speed of that effect can be seen in the video above, as well as some fascinating information about this natural phenomena. The moment the blue light (similar to bio-illumination of predators) the squid immediately changes it's color. The moment the light is removed it reverts to transparent form.
Sarah Zilinski, a researcher from Duke University, has made several experiments about this issue with patients. She found that the rapid color change is caused by the contraction of muscles which streths cells that contain pigments.
|
Hilarious Nature: True Facts About Elephants!
Come with us as we explore this huge mammal, make some jokes and meet one of the smartest and most fascinating of all animals, the elephant.
Fred is a Sailor Cat, Living the Boat Life...
Like a fish in the water, or, in this case, like a cat on a boat!
Swim With Some Deadly Mako Sharks in This 360° Video
The fastest shark in the world is known as the mako shark, and you can replicate the experience of swimming with them through this awesome VR video.
Started as an Experiment, Ended up Being a Pet!
That's not a monster in the depths, that's only an octopus! And once you get to know her, you'll see that she's a load of fun. Meet Heidi.
Journey into the Lion Kingdom With Their Fiercest Protector
An amazing video that takes you for a closer look at the heart of the lion kingdom.
This Tiny Octopus Gets Excited When His Human Visits
Watch this tiny octopus as it gets excited and 'plays' with his human friend.
The Truth About Nature’s Most Misunderstood Animals
Bats, hyenas, vultures, snakes, and more – today we will shed light on the world’s most misunderstood animals.
7 Fascinating Natural Phenomena Science Can’t Explain
From the Great Blue Hole in Belize to the Sailing Stones in CA, this video will introduce you to 7 natural phenomena science isn't fully able to explain.
This Incredible Bird Can Make Any Sound it Likes!
This classic Attenborough scene is of the most amazing bird in the world. Just listen to the sound(s) it makes! Cover image by Vern / flickr
There Are Awesome New Dog Breeds in the World...
21 of the most adorable new canine cross breeds.
Australia Has Some of the Cutest Wildlife in the World!
Australia has many deadly animals, but did you know it's also filled with fluffy, adorable wildlife? Warning: You may want to fly to Australia and hug some animals after this post.
Far, Far Away, There's a Land Where Pandas Roam Free...
Giant pandas are highly endangered, however there's a beautiful sanctuary in China devoted to ensuring that population numbers are boosted. See the photos.
All Dogs Are Loyal, But Which Breeds Are the MOST Loyal?
Dogs have been man's best friend for millennia now, but there are some breeds that exhibit traits of undying loyalty. Here are the top 10 most loyal dog breeds.
15 Wonderful Plants to Grow in Every Room in Your Home
We wouldn’t be surprised if you’re already growing plants in your home, but the question is, are you placing them correctly?
World's Finest Wildlife Images Crowned for 2023: 16 Pics
Check out the outstanding winners of One Eyeland’s 2023 Wildlife Photography Awards.
Discover the World of Powerful Big Cat Hybrids
There are types of big cats you've never heard about, and they're big. beautiful and powerful! Below are photos along some information about these big cat hybrids.
16 Photos That Showcase Our Planet’s Breathtaking Beauty
Check out these unbelievably picturesque photos from around the world.
17 Heart-Melting Smiling Animals to Brighten Your Day
Smiles are contagious - that everyone knows, so look at these pictures of smiling animals and one will spread across your face in no time.
These Intimate Animal Portraits Will Leave You Stunned
Photographer Pedro Jarque Krebs takes intimate close-ups of wild animals. Here are some if his best shots.
Equestrian Grace: 15 Majestic Horses in Icelandic Scenery
These photographs of beautiful horses in Iceland by Petra Marita look like beautiful paintings.
Australia Is Home to Some of the World’s Cutest Animals
Australia is home to most living marsupials, a family of mammals unlike any other on earth.
How and Why Did Dolphins and Whales Return to the Ocean?
Like all mammals, whales were once a terrestrial animal with four legs. How and why did they become marine animals?
Italian Wildlife Should be Talked About a Lot More!
Join us on a journey to Italy’s amazing wildlife.
Nature: How Animals Evolved Head Weapons
The history of animal head weapons is diverse and fascinating.
This is One of the Most Fascinating Natural Phenomenon
Get ready to meet a whole lot of grunion fish, who are most famous for their spectacular land mating ritual.
This Tree Is 3,200 Years Old and Almost 250 Feet High
This tree is so large that it has never been wholly photographed from base to tip - that is until now. You can also watch a video of the process.
10 Perennials That Will Serve Your Garden for Years
Here, we look at some amazingly useful perennial vegetables that will serve as a long-term investment for every gardener.
True Friendship Survives Beyond Time - Beautiful!
Gorilla Reunites With Carer 5 Years Later...
This Is How Mother Birds Care for Their Sweet Chicks
Motherhood is a wonderful thing. It binds not only humans together, but birds too. These photos are simply amazing.
Nature Is Full of Mystery When You Look at These Photos
Take a look at these amazing photos of nature which depict so much mystery.
9 Fragrant Roses to Fill Your Garden with Pleasing Aromas
Check out this list of some intensely aromatic roses that will flood your garden area with delightful smells.
These Beautiful Photos Capture The Majesty of Wild Horses
Few animals can compare to the majestic and beautiful wild horse.
The Beautiful and Elusive Snow Leopard of the Himalayas
The snow leopard is one of the most poorly-understood cats in the wild, mainly because it's so hard to see one that doesn't want to be seen.
The Most Frightening and Bizarre Creatures of the Ocean
Terrifying and alien creatures of the dark depths of the ocean
Slovakia is Nature’s Masterpiece! (12 Gorgeous Photos)
Photographer captures breathtaking nature photographs from Slovakia. Take a look at some of his best ones.
The Most Amazing Facts About the Powerful Tiger!
If lions are kings, then tigers are emperors. Get to know the largest of all big cats with some very fascinating facts.
These 20 Cute Bonsai Are a Cut Above the Average Tree
Trust the Japanese to have the most beautiful miniature trees in the world. These 20 bonsai's are so fabulous!
These Beautiful Endangered Butterflies are a Joy to Behold
These exotic butterflies are extremly rare and placed high atop the endangered species list, but will fill your eyes with color and wonder.
These Stunning Waterfalls Will Take Your Breath Away!
Waterfalls are a thing of beauty which never fail to impress! Check out 17 of the world's greatest waterfalls here!
This Stunning Bird of Prey Video Will Leave You in Awe!
Be humbled by the extreme beauty of these birds of prey in their natural environment.
Nine Deceptive Animals for Whom Every Day Is Halloween
Natures most amazing shapeshifters and masters of disguise
This is the Smallest Wild Dog You've Likely Seen
This little wild dog was recently thought to be extinct.
Feast Your Eyes: 50 Stunning Sceneries From 50 US States!
The US is full of magnificent places, in each and every state...
These Photos Appear To Have Been Taken In Another World...
Planet Earth is an incredible place - so incredible that we sometimes don't even recognise it. These locations could easily double up as alien planets.
Mother's Day is Celebrated Among the Animals Too...
Remind yourself of your mother's love this Mother's Day by viewing these heartwarming photos of animal moms with their young.
Here Are 10 of The Most Spectacular Forests in the World
Forests make up a third of our planet, and some of them are just utterly spectacular. Here are 10 of the most amazing forests in the world.
The Humble Origins of 10 Proud Rivers...
Did you ever wonder just how the world's greatest rivers begin? Here we show you the humble little sources of 10 amazing rivers. Just click to see!