Arcanum in permanent darkness of ocean
2009-11-23 02:23:00 GMT2009-11-23 10:23:00 (Beijing Time)
Xinhua English
A rare "Dumbo" octopod - a creature named as such because it flaps fins that look like ears of the cartoon flying elephant - is seen in the depths of the ocean in this undated handout photo released November 22, 2009. (Reuters Photo)
An elongated orange fish, identified as Neocyema, is seen in this undated handout photo released November 22, 2009. This Neocyema is only the 5th specimen of the fish ever caught at 2,000 to 2,500 meters (6,560 to 8,200 feet) and never before on the mid-Atlantic ridge. (Reuters Photo)
A tiny copepod collected this year from the Atlantic abyss is seen in this undated photo released November 22, 2009. (Reuters Photo)
The permanent darkness of the ocean depths is home to a far greater range of animals, from luminous jellyfish to tubeworms that live off oil seeping from the seabed, than previously thought, scientists said on Sunday.
