As divers, we love every opportunity to observe ocean animals in their natural environments. While there’s no doubt that the surface waters are home to an incredible diversity of absolutely amazing marine life, the fact is that the vast majority of the world’s ocean – the deep ocean – is only able to be seen by submersibles. Fortunately, marine science groups are exploring these depths with the use of manned and un-manned submersibles, and they are sharing their observations with the rest of the world. The five deep sea creatures listed below are sure to blow your mind, and hopefully help you feel a deeper connection to the ocean animals that are typically hidden in the dark depths of our planet.

If you’re inspired to take your diving deeper… the PADI Deep Diver Specialty Course (now available on eLearning) will help you gain the necessary skills to dive down 130 ft (40 meters) below the surface. While not exactly the deep sea, the ability to explore new depths is bound to bring new opportunities to observe as many weird and wonderful creatures as possible.

Gulper Eel

At first glance, the gulper eel might look like a pretty regular eel, but once it opens its mouth, your jaw will surely drop in amazement. This deep sea eel species gets its common name from its massive gulping mouth, estimated to be about one quarter of its approximately two foot total body length. When the loosely hinged jaw is fully extended, the gulper eel goes from looking like a slender eel to looking like a big black balloon with a tail. They use this gigantic mouth like a net, to scoop up large amounts of small crustaceans; with the excess water that’s ingested being expelled via the gills. The large mouth may also be an adaptation to allow the gulper eel to eat a wider variety of prey when food in the deep sea is scarce.

Found worldwide in temperate and tropical seas, gulper eels typically inhabit depths ranging from roughly 500 to 3,000 meters (1,600 to 9,900 feet). Living completely without sunlight, gulper eels have worked out a way to produce a little bit of their own light, like many other deep sea creatures. A bioluminescent photophore at the tip of the gulper eel’s tail glows pink or flashes red to attract prey close to its enormous mouth.

Giant Seed Shrimp

The swimming orange ping-pong ball featured in the video below is actually a real deep sea creature commonly known as the giant seed shrimp. They got their name because they look like a shrimp inside of a seed pod. Additionally, in the world of seed shrimp this species is extremely large – measuring up to 3.2 centimeters (1.3 inches) across. The body of the giant seed shrimp is suspended in a semi-translucent, globular orb that is about 95% water. They use their feather-like antennae to swim around the vast deep ocean, and have near-neutral buoyancy. (You too can perfect your buoyancy with the PADI Peak Performance Buoyancy Specialty Course – now available on eLearning.)

If that isn’t strange enough, you can see the eye balls through the transparent orb. Despite living in complete darkness, the giant seed shrimp is equipped with a very large pair of eyes that are extremely effective at detecting light – thought to be able to find bioluminescent prey animals like copepods, arrow worms, and fish larvae. These quirky creatures are found throughout the world’s oceans from tropical to polar regions, typically at depths from 2,000 to 7,500 feet (600 to 2,300 meters).

Deep Sea Angler Fish

While angler fish are some of the most widely known deep sea fish species – famous for the lighted ‘fishing lure’ on their heads – they have very rarely been observed in their natural habitat. In fact, the video footage below is one of the few known videos of deep sea angler fish ever filmed.

That well-known bioluminescent lure on the anglerfish’s head is used to attract prey in the dark depths. Surprisingly, millions of special light-producing bacteria that live inside the lure are actually what make it glow. Some deep sea angler fish, like the fanfin angler fish in the video, also have thin bioluminescent projections surrounding their body, acting like a 3D array to sense movement in the surrounding environment.

Ready to really be blown away? Possibly the most out-of-this-world thing about deep sea angler fish is the relationship between males and females. When a small, free-swimming male angler fish encounters a large female angler fish, he latches onto her with his sharp teeth. Over time, the male becomes permanently fused to the female, forming a parasitic relationship where the male provides sperm and the female provides nutrients. A female deep sea angler fish can carry more than six males on her body at one time!

Long-Nosed Chimaera

The ethereal beauty of the long-nosed chimaera is undeniable. So much so, that they are often called ghost sharks. This nickname also stems from the fact that chimaera skeletons are made of cartilage, just like their shark and ray relatives. These big-eyed wonders are found worldwide, in temperate and tropical seas, in depths ranging from approximately 1,000 to 6,500 ft (300 to 2,000 meters).

The long pointed snout – clearly the long-nosed chimaera’s most distinguishing feature – has numerous sensory nerve endings used to find food like small fish. This species typically reaches a maximum size of about 4.5 feet (1.4 meters), with its long ‘nose’ making up nearly one third of the total body length. Additionally, if you look closely at the rare video footage below, you’ll notice a sharp spine on the first dorsal fin – this spine is venomous and is most likely used for defense in the dark depths.

Dumbo Octopus

Often called the cutest octopus in the world, the dumbo octopus gets its common name from the two ear-like fins that resemble Dumbo the elephant’s big floppy ears. By slowly flapping those ear-like fins, and using their eight arms to steer, dumbo octopuses move around the deep sea foraging for invertebrates that swim above the sea floor. On average, dumbo octopus only grow to about 20 to 30 centimeters (8 to 12 inches) long.

Although they are believed to be found worldwide, dumbo octopuses have actually only been observed around New Zealand, Australia, the Philippines, New Guinea, and off the coast of California. Amazingly, dumbo octopuses are the deepest living genus of all known octopuses – living at depths around 13,000 feet ( 4,000 meters). Because there are so few predators for the dumbo octopus at these extreme depths, they do not have an ink sac like most octopus species do.

Sigma has announced the 105mm f/2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art lens for mirrorless cameras. Available in L and Sony E mounts, it offers 1:1 macro at a 5.5” (14cm) working distance and is internally focusing so should work well behind macro ports.

The Sigma 105mm f/2.8 DG DN Macro Art lens is expected to begin shipping in late October at $799.

Press release

New product announcement: SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art

SIGMA Corporation is pleased to announce the SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art.

• Make everyday details more magnificent.
• Performance exceeds expectations

SIGMA Art line introduces a supreme edition to classic macro lenses

Mid-telephoto macro lenses give photographers a boost to creativity and a versatile working distance, which makes the lenses a favorite among professionals as part of their basic gear. Introduced as the first macro lens for mirrorless cameras in the Art line of lenses for mirrorless cameras, the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art packs the highest level of performance expected of a mid-telephoto macro lens into its body, from its superb optical performance to excellent build quality. Beyond being a high-spec macro lens that excels in a wide range of settings, the SIGMA 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art is ideal for macro shooting or portraits. It can also give photographers an opportunity to rediscover a new way of looking at or enjoying things such as unexpected beauty or something precious in everyday life through its perspective that is unique to a macro lens. It provides performance that goes far beyond the expectation or imagination of what a “classic mid-telephoto macro lens” can be.

Launch : October, 2020
Case, Hood (LH653-01) supplied
Available AF mount: L-Mount, Sony E-mount* The appearance and specifications of the product are subject to change.

*This product is developed, manufactured and sold based on the specifications of E-mount which was disclosed by Sony Corporation under the license agreement with Sony Corporation.
* L-Mount is a registered trademark of Leica Camera AG.
*Appearance and specifications are subject to change.

Everything required in a mid-telephoto macro lens

has been achieved at highest levels
The latest optical design of the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art ensures exceptional sharpness at all shooting distances from extreme close-up, which is crucial in macro shooting, all the way up to infinity. In addition, its aberration correction places a particular focus on longitudinal chromatic aberration which cannot be handled by the in-camera aberration correction. The superior optical design produces clear images with both delicate rendering and free of color bleeding.

Bokeh was one of the focuses in the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art design, which figures largely in mid-telephoto shooting. The ample volume of peripheral light helps create beautiful bokeh circles, while natural bokeh effect in the background, as well as foreground, gives more flexibility to photographic expressions.

Furthermore, when equipped with the TC-1411 (1.4x) or TC-2011 (2.0x), SIGMA’s latest models of teleconverters designed exclusively for the use with L-Mount lenses, it allows photographers to shoot macro at even higher macro magnifications while keeping the working distance.

The 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art has achieved everything that is required of a mid-telephoto macro lens at the highest levels.

Performance data

SIGMA Art line class optical and AF performance

The SIGMA Art line lenses prioritize optical performance above all else in their design. This applies to the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art, which produces outstanding rendering performance from the center of the frame all the way up to the edges. It excellently handles chromatic aberration, which often happens at the edges. On the other hand, its abilities to minimize ghosting and flare, which have been validated through rigorous testing from the early stages of its development, ensures that it performs well in backlit conditions.

On top of optimization for the latest functionalities, such as face/eye detection AF, which is something mirrorless camera systems do well, it incorporates a powerful Hyper-Sonic Motor (HSM) in its focus motor system to achieve high-precision, quiet AF operation.

All of these elements are brought to life using advanced production technology at the Aizu Factory, SIGMA’s only production site, giving the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art the highest levels of performance worthy of the SIGMA Art line.
A full range of functionalities and an excellent build quality
On its body, the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art features a (1) Focus Mode Switch, (2) Focus limiter setting which comes in handy during macro shooting, and the (3) AFL button * 1 to which users may assign select functions. The (4) Aperture ring, which is designed to help users work intuitively, has an (5) Aperture ring click switch to turn ON or OFF the clicking sound that isn’t required by some users when shooting macro. It also comes with a (6) Aperture ring lock switch*2 for a ring lock system. Its enhanced functions allow users to customize their shooting operations in accordance with their shooting styles.

*1 Limited to compatible cameras. Also, the functions depend on the camera.
*2 When turned ON at the position A, the iris ring is locked at A. When turned ON at a position other than A, it is locked within the range between the maximum to minimum apertures and will not engage at the position A.

The lens also has a (7) dust- and splash-proof structure with a water- and oil-repellent coating, which is built to handle all manner of shooting conditions. The rings and switches, meanwhile, have a build quality that is superb in terms of durability, as well as how they work and how they feel.
With levels of user-friendliness, adaptability to the environment, and smoothness of operation that are designed for professional uses, the 105mm F2.8 DG DN MACRO | Art pushes the boundaries for photographers and gives them wider creative possibilities.

Features

• Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups, with 1 SLD lens
• Compatible with high-speed autofocus
• Compatible with lens-based optical correction*

*Function available on supported cameras only. Available corrections may vary depending on the camera model.
* Dust-and splash-proof
* Water- and oil-repellent coating

The 2020 San Diego Undersea Film Exhibition will be launched virtually on 2 October. From then, through to 10 October, everyone around the world will be able to view and enjoy the festival’s amazing shortlisted films, free of charge. The organizers recommend streaming the films onto a TV or other large screen in order to get their full impact.

To view the films, just go the the SDUFEX website from 02 October and watch at your leisure until 10 October.

Press release

SDUFEX goes Virtual

When it became evident that COVID19 would prevent our traditional festival from being held at Qualcomm Hall in San Diego, we had two choices: Punt it to 2021, or present it online. The decision was obvious. The call for entries went out on FilmFreeway, and over 150 films were entered. Our panel of independent judges scored each on a ten point scale. The top fifteen were selected for our virtual festival.

The good news is that it’s accessible online throughout the world. From October 2nd through October 10th, you’ll be able to watch all the selected films at your convenience, in your home, on the SDUFEX website. And it’s all free of charge. There will be no commercials, no strings attached. You could binge watch all fifteen at once, or spread them out over the ten days, and even re-watch the ones you like best.

Here’s how to watch the festival. Go to our website. Starting October 2, there will be a link to the films. It will be live through October 10. You can watch it on your phone, tablet, or computer. We recommend streaming it to your home TV via Bluetooth or mirroring. It’s our attempt to give back to the people who have supported SDUFEX over the past 20 years.

If you want to stay informed about SDUFEX, click on the “Subscribe” button. You will receive emails about entries, the 2020 online and future film festivals.

Our thanks to the judges, Pat Brown, Kevin Lee,Barbara Lloyd,Bob Pooley, and Diane Randolph.

SDUFEX board of directors: Cheryl Dean, President, Nick Dean, Secretary, Bill Ring, Treasurer, Directors: Jennifer Black, Rocio Gajon Bunker, Pete Fowler, Weiwei Gao, Eric Hanauer, Matt Meier, Mike Miller, Elke Specker, Karen Straus,

DIVE’s BIG SHOT Photography Competition Terms and Conditions

By entering this competition; entrants agree to be bound by these rules.

The competition opens at 12:00 on Tuesday 29 September 2020 and closes at 23.59 on Saturday 31 October 2020.

Twenty images from the entrants will be selected by the judges to be published in the Winter 2020 issue of DIVE. One image will be selected as the overall winner by the judges and the overall winner will receive an Aggressor Adventures liveaboard trip to Honduras.

The judges’ decision is final; no correspondence will be entered into. 

The prize is a week’s trip for one person aboard the Roatan Aggressor at dates to be agreed with the Aggressor Fleet. 

Local taxes, visas, health requirements and travel insurance are the responsibility of the prize winner.

Flights are not included; prize winners are responsible for their own transport to and from Honduras.

All entrants submitting a photograph that is selected for publication will receive one year’s digital subscription to DIVE Magazine.

All entrants will receive an e-mail asking if they wish to subscribe to our free, weekly newsletter. It’s entirely optional, can be unsubscribed from at any time without penalty, and no data will be shared with any third party without express consent.

Prizes are non-transferable, and there is no cash alternative.

DIVE Magazine, and all partners involved cannot accept any responsibility for any damage, loss, injury or disappointment suffered by any entrant entering the competition or as a result of accepting any prize.

Entrants agree on their behalf, and on behalf of their respective heirs, executors, administrators, legal representatives, successors and assigns (‘Released Parties’) to release, defend and hold harmless DIVE magazine and Aggressor Adventures, and any partner involved, as well as the employees, officers, directors and agents of each, from any and all actions, causes of action, suits, expenses, lost profits, indirect or direct damages, consequential damages, incidental damages, punitive or exemplary damages, judgments, claims and demands whatsoever against Released Parties arising out of or in connection with entrant’s participation, acceptance and use or misuse of any prize, including any travel-related activities.

All the photography must be the work of the entrant and the entrants must have full rights for the use of any photograph. All images must be available in high resolution (300 dpi minimum) and must be supplied as a JPEG file on request. 

The entrants agree to give DIVE magazine non-exclusive rights to submissions of photographs for the purposes of promotion of the competition in print and online.

The laws of England and Wales govern this agreement.

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