8 Weird and Wonderful Fish That Live in the Deep Sea

As one of the world’s most diverse vertebrates, fish can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. With over 33,000 species inhabiting the Earth’s aquatic habitats, some are bound to be a bit on the weird side. This article will examine some of the weirdest types of fish, all of which live in a variety of ocean habitats.

When looking at some of these species, you may think of them as monstrous or be inspired by their unique look. Much more eccentric than your average bass, these are some of the weirdest types of fish that are lurking in the ocean waters. 

1. Hogfish

Hogfish (Lachnolaimus maximus) are found across the western Atlantic Ocean, inhabiting waters from Nova Scotia to northern South America. A popular fish in Florida, they are eaten and enjoyed for their flavor and sweet taste. 

One of the most unique traits of this fish is its elongated snout, which looks similar to a pig. Reaching a maximum of 36 inches, this pig-like fish uses its long mouth to dig out crustaceans and other food buried in the sand. Their eyes are a vibrant red, and their bodies are mottled brown to a reddish color. At birth, all hogfish come into the world as females, with the ability to change once they get large enough. The ability to sense light with their skin allows them to camouflage with their surroundings on the ocean floor. They are sought after and overfished in many areas where they live.

2. Wolffish

Native to the North Atlantic Ocean, the Atlantic wolffish (Anarhichas lupus) is a species threatened with extinction. The teeth structure of this fish is unique to the species and is also where their name originates from. Strong jaws, along with four to six wolf-like teeth protruding from their mouth, allow this species to consume a variety of mollusks, crustaceans, and other life in the ocean. Crabs, starfish, and sea urchins are some examples of what they consume. Able to survive in extremely cold temperatures, a natural antifreeze is produced in their blood to help keep them alive. Overfishing is one of the reasons this species has gone down the path of extinction. One of their main roles in the wild is to control the population of green crab and sea urchin. Varying in colors like purple, brown, green, or gray, they can grow up to 5 feet long.

3. Barreleye

In the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, deep in the water, the barreleye (Macropinna microstoma) is a unique species in how it looks and sees. The head of this species is transparent and has two green glowing olfactory organs used to help see in the dark. This fish’s green glowing eyes face towards the top of its head, but can be moved when eating. Its head is transparent and filled with fluid to help see its prey. 

Reaching a maximum size of 6 inches, they are darkly colored. Rare to see and observe since they live at great depths of the ocean, it is not known how healthy their population is. Jellyfish, siphonophores, crustaceans, and zooplankton make up their diet.

4. Sheepshead Fish

Found along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts of the United States, the sheepshead fish (Archosargus probatocephalus) looks like your average fish at first glance. When taking a closer look, you can see the human-like teeth inside the fish’s mouth. They inhabit brackish waters, and sometimes during the winter months, they may move to freshwater. Shellfish make up most of this fish’s diet, but they consume soft-bodied insects when they are younger. Clams, small fish, and plant material are also a part of their diet.

This species is a popular delicacy, as it tastes like the shellfish it eats. Usually around 10 to 20 inches, some may grow up to 35 inches long. Living for around 20 years, they have a healthy population and are commonly fished for. The name comes from the appearance of their teeth, which resemble those of a sheep.

5. Blobfish 

Blobfish (Psychrolutes marcidus) is a species found in the deep depths of the ocean, up to 1200 meters (4,000 ft). This species lives around Australia and New Zealand and gets its name from the odd look it takes when brought up to the surface. Blobfish look blobby as brought up to the surface because they are full of water. This fish lacks a true skeleton and muscles, so out of the water, it loses all its form.

At the correct depth, below 1,200 meters (3,000 feet) under sea level, they are inflated and appear normal. Since they are adapted to live at such deep depths, when brought up to the surface they decompress. Mollusks and crabs make up the majority of their diet, eating as they move across the ocean floor. 

6. Psychedelic Frogfish

Psychedelic frogfish is the first member of angler fish on this list and is painted with a hypnotizing pattern all over their body. Their pattern is yellow or peach-colored with white stripes stretching across their bodies. Their eyes are small and bright blue. The appearance of this fish resembles a hallucination, which is what gives it its name. This frogfish has only been found in the Ambon Island waters near Indonesia. They live near coral where they try to camouflage themselves from predators. They have no other defenses and hide in crevices between rocks to escape predators. Their diet consists of small fish and shrimp. This species moves by walking with its pectoral fins over the seafloor.

7. Green Humphead Parrotfish

Parrotfish are a group of around 90 fish species and are members of the Scaridae family. One of the oddest and most unusual-looking members of the parrotfish family is the green humphead parrotfish (Bolbometopon muricatum). The species lives in reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. 

Adult humphead parrotfish have a large bump on their head and exposed teeth coming from their parrot-like mouth. They are capable of growing up to 5 feet long and weighing 165 lbs. Their scales range from green to gray in color. This species is not often consumed, as its meat and skin are often poisonous to humans. Green humphead parrotfish are the largest parrotfish species found in the ocean and are capable of living up to 40 years. 

8. Goblin Shark

A rare sight to see in the Ocean, the Goblin Shark (Mitsukurina owstoni) spends most of its time at depths of around 1300 meters, and will rarely come to the surface. Living in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, they are most commonly seen on the coast of Japan. Their lifestyle makes them rare to find and harder to study compared to other marine life.

Goblin sharks are named after their appearance, which resembles the mythical creature, the goblin. Their snout is long and flat. Their large mouth can extend outward to catch prey. They have small eyes and use sensory organs around their face to track prey in the dark. This shark is a carnivore and eats a variety of sea life and fish. They are not harmful to humans since they rarely come into contact with people, but they are a large species of shark. They weigh on average around 350 to 360 lbs and can grow up to 12 feet long.