InfoSearched
Published -
- March 10, 2020
- 12:44 pm
The deep ocean is one of the planet’s harshest environments.
Here, evolution has taken bizarre turns. The sharks that prowl these waters have been undetected for millions of years…until now.
What is the Midnight Zone, and what are some of its characteristics that make it an inhospitable environment?
The Midnight Zone, also known as the Bathypelagic Zone, is the oceanic region that lies between 1000 to 4000 meters below the surface. It is one of the most inhospitable places on Earth where the waters become cold and dark, and the pressure is intense. Despite the harsh conditions, many strange and bizarre creatures call the Midnight Zone their home. Among these creatures, two of the most peculiar are the Cyclops Shark and the Ghost Shark.
Cyclops Sharks, named after the one-eyed mythological creature, are a rare and enigmatic species of shark that was first discovered in 2015 off the coast of Mexico. They are characterized by their unusual appearance, having a single large eye in the middle of their head, similar to the mythical Cyclops. The eye’s size is believed to help the shark to spot prey in the low light conditions of the ocean’s abyssal zone.
The Cyclops Shark belongs to the genus Squalus, which is known for its small size and slender body. It can grow up to 53 centimeters long and is not considered a danger to humans. However, due to its rarity and mysterious nature, Cyclops Sharks remain a subject of fascination for marine biologists and enthusiasts.
Another unusual shark that inhabits the Midnight Zone is the Ghost Shark, also known as the Chimaera. Unlike typical sharks that have skeletons made of cartilage, Ghost Sharks have bony skeletons, which sets them apart from other species. They also have a distinctive, elongated snout and large eyes that help them navigate in the abyssal region.
Ghost Sharks have been around for over 300 million years and have evolved to survive in the most extreme conditions of the deep sea. They are also known for their ability to emit a blue-green glow, called bioluminescence, which they use to attract prey.
The Ghost Shark is a rarely seen species, and little is known about its behavior and biology. However, recent studies have shown that they face increasing threats from pollution and overfishing, which puts them at risk of extinction.
In conclusion, the Cyclops Shark and the Ghost Shark are two of the most bizarre and unique species that inhabit the Midnight Zone. With their distinctive features and mysterious behavior, they remain a fascinating subject of study for marine biologists and a wonder of nature that proves the immense diversity and adaptability of life on our planet.
