Have you heard of worm-like animals that create spirals on the seafloor, are more related to humans than actual worms, and produce super cute larvae? We’re obsessed with #AcornWorms!

Play #FathomVerse to find acorn worms and earn a special badge!

#AnimalsOfTheDeep @mbarinews.bsky.social

Goassamer worm • Animals of the Deep • MBARI Instead of crawling along the seafloor, the gossamer worm swims gracefully through the midwater.

Learn more at MBARI's #AnimalsOfTheDeep gallery: www.mbari.org/animal/gossa...

#internationalpolychaeteday #worldpolychaeteday #Wormtastic

Animals of the Deep • MBARI Meet some of the captivating creatures that MBARI has encountered during our exploration of the deep sea.

Our research is revealing how human actions will affect deep-sea communities. We're providing the information policymakers need to guide their decision-making about the ocean, its inhabitants, and its resources.

Dive into our #AnimalsOfTheDeep gallery for more: mbari.co/AnimalsOfThe...

Meet the giant cusk-eel (Spectrunculus grandis), one of the largest bony fishes in the deep abyss. 🐟

youtu.be/rKrYffekQLU?... #AnimalsOfTheDeep

Deep-sea skate • Animals of the Deep • MBARI Deep-sea skates favor particular habitats or “neighborhoods” on the deep seafloor.

🧪🦈🌊The more we learn about deep-sea sharks, skates, and rays, the better we can protect them and their habitats.

Learn more about deep-sea skates at our #AnimalsOfTheDeep gallery: www.mbari.org/animal/deep-...

A pigbutt worm with a peach-colored, balloon-like body drifts in open water. The worm’s horned, lip-like mouth is facing the camera. The background is dark blue, almost black.

Meet the pigbutt worm! 🧪🌎🦑

When our team first spotted the unusual pigbutt worm (Chaetopterus pugaporcinus) a half mile below the ocean surface, they had a tough time determining how to categorize such a curious critter.

Dive in on our #AnimalsOfTheDeep gallery: www.mbari.org/animal/pigbu...