This 640 x 247 pixel image depicts how creatures of the midwaters take diverse forms that are adapted to their environment in a variety of ways. In particular, many fishes, squids and gelatinous animals can produce and sense small amounts of light. The role of such illumination is only partly understood, and for many animals it remains a mystery hidden in the ocean's gloomy depths. (Approximate sizes of those shown here are given in parentheses.)
Shown here is Vampyroteuthis infernalis (25 centimeters; inverted configuration at right)