You probaby didn’t know that the Gulf of Mexico is home to one of the most diverse collections of marine life on the planet. Check out some of the most unusual creatures found in the gulf.
Venus Fly-Trap Anemone: These anemone are named for their resemblance to the carnivorous plant. Found deep underwater (usually about 4,900 feet), the venus fly-trap anemone feed on small fish and other organisms that become entangled in their tentacles. Discovered in 1920, venus fly trap anemone are incredibly large; they can grow up to one food wide.
Transparent Sea Cucumber: Another spectactular creature of the deep, the transparent sea cucumber crawls along slowly–roughly two centimeters per minute. It feeds on sediment and detritus along the ocean floor. It was only recently discovered thanks to the Census of Marine Life, and scientists call it the “Pink Sea-Through Fantasia.” This specimen was sighted a full 1.7 miles underwater.