Spooky Species: an MMF series…

Written by Holly Reeves, MMF Volunteer

Get ready for a thrilling dive into the deep! Over the few days days leading up to Halloween, we explored some of the spookiest species the ocean has to offer. From the eerie to the bizarre, each day on our socials our Spooky Species series introduced you to a new marine creature that sent shivers down your spine. Did you know there’s a squid that can turn itself inside out to scare off predators, or a seal that inflates a balloon on its head?

At MMF, we know the actions we take to protect our oceans go beyond just marine mammals—these spooky species are all part of the same delicate ecosystem. By safeguarding marine habitats, we can help protect the incredible diversity of life beneath the waves. Vventure into the darkest depths of the ocean thsi Halloween, where the line between the real and the mythical begins to blur, and arm yourself with some spooky sea creature facts to put the OH in OCEAN this spooky season!

1. Horn-eyed ghost crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus)

The Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab (Ocypode ceratophthalmus) – a small crustacean named for its pale colour, nocturnal habits, and eerie tendency to suddenly appear and disappear as it darts to and from its burrows in the sand. This crab inhabits intertidal beaches in Western Australia, where it lives a semi-terrestrial lifestyle. During the day, they shelter in large burrows that can be over a metre deep, returning to the water regularly to wet their gills and release larvae. At twilight, they emerge from their stealthy hideout to feed on carrion, molluscs, and seaweed.

Like other crabs, the Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab has special teeth in its stomach to grind up food. However, it also uses these teeth for communication: by grinding them, the crab can produce a growling noise to scare away predators. Belonging to the genus Ocypode, which translates to “swift foot," the Horn-Eyed Ghost Crab is one of the fastest animals relative to its body size. It can move at speeds of up to 7.5 km/h—equivalent to 100 body lengths per second. In comparison, even the fastest human runners only reach speeds of around 11 body lengths per second.

2. Vampire squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis)

We can’t discuss spooky marine species without mentioning the Vampire Squid (Vampyroteuthis infernalis). Despite their fearsome name, the Vampire Squid is a small detritivorous cephalopod which feeds on marine snow, organic debris which falls from the upper layers of our oceans to the deep sea. This makes them the only known cephalopod which does not hunt and eat live animals!

Did you know the Vampire Squid also has the largest eyes of any animal on the planet, proportional to its body size? This enables them to absorb as much light for vision as possible – a valuable ability where it resides in the dark mesopelagic zone of the ocean. With the ability to expel a cloud of bioluminescent mucus and turn itself inside out, revealing sharp spines to ward off predators, the Vampire Squid has managed to survive largely unchanged for the last 300 million years.

3. Skeleton shrimp (Caprellidae)

Have you ever heard of the "praying mantises of the sea"? Skeleton shrimp are small marine invertebrates classified as caprellids. In 2018, a new species of skeleton shrimp, named Caprella tamboensis, was discovered in Lake Tambo within the Gippsland Lakes, where thousands were found.

Skeleton shrimp are specialized for clinging to various substrates, including marine plants, sediment, and other invertebrates. Many species can even change colour to camouflage themselves with their surroundings. Despite their delicate appearance, some skeleton shrimp are formidable predators within their tiny ecosystems. They use their spiny limbs, called gnathopods, to capture small prey such as plankton, worms, detritus, and diatoms. Interestingly, they are believed to help maintain seagrass health by removing encrusted diatoms. Caprellids play an important role in the marine food web, serving as key prey for many coastal fish species. Additionally, they are sensitive to marine pollution, making them valuable bioindicators of environmental health.

4. Orca (Orcinus orca)

Here at MMF, we love orcas (Orcinus orca), but they’re not known as killer whales for nothing! Despite their common name, orcas are actually the largest member of the dolphin family, and renowned apex predators of the ocean.

From carrying out raids on longline and trawl fisheries, to collaborating to create waves that wash seals off ice floes, these incredibly intelligent animals utilise advanced hunting strategies to prey on everything from fish to large whales. In fact, orca hunting tactics have become so sophisticated that in recent years, they were observed taking down a blue whale, the largest animal on Earth. With their striking black and white colouration, haunting vocalizations and ruthless hunting skills, orcas remind us of the beauty and spookiness of the ocean’s most skilled hunters.

5. Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus)

The sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) is a creature steeped in legend and mystery, a giant of the deep sea with a fearsome reputation. Known for its dramatic battles with giant squid and accounts of ramming whaling ships in retaliation, this toothed whale has inspired countless tales of oceanic ferocity, including the infamous Moby Dick. In reality, sperm whales are generally shy and elusive, choosing to defend themselves only when threatened.

Capable of diving to depths over 2,000 metres to hunt prey, the sperm whale holds the title of the largest toothed predator and has the largest brain of any creature on Earth. Their intelligence shines through in their complex social structures and communication systems. The incredible impact of these majestic animals doesn’t end when they pass on. After a whale dies, its bones sink to the seafloor, creating unique ecosystems which deep-sea species can thrive upon for decades. This combination of fierce hunting prowess, legendary status, and role in sustaining life even after death makes the sperm whale one of the ocean's most captivating and spooky giants.

6. Furry Coffinfish (Chaunax endeavouri)

Endemic to the coastal waters of eastern Australia, the Furry Coffinfish (Chaunax endeavouri) is as strange as it is spooky. This deep-sea ambush predator waits patiently for small crustaceans to wander too close to the lure above its mouth. That’s not the only trick up its sleeve! Like a pufferfish, the Furry Coffinfish can inflate its body by filling its gills with water, allowing it to appear more intimidating to predators. It can also use this inflation ability to hold its breath for up to four minutes, conserving energy. Adding to its mysterious nature, the Furry Coffinfish is equipped with a series of specialized canals along its head and body which help detect nearby movement.

While its strange appearance may seem otherworldly, the Furry Coffinfish is an important part of Australia’s marine life. Sadly, as a benthic species which uses its specially adapted fins to walk along the sea floor, it is highly vulnerable to oceanic trawlers and struggles to adapt to environmental pressures such as climate change and pollution.

7. Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula eregoodootenkee)

The Pygmy Devil Ray (Mobula eregoodootenkee) may be small, but its name and appearance give it a spooky reputation. Found in the coastal waters of the Indo-West Pacific, including around northern Australia, this species gets its eerie name from the horn-like cephalic fins on its head. Despite their sinister appearance, these fins are harmless, helping funnel plankton into its mouth as it glides gracefully through the water.

Despite its calm nature, the Pygmy Devil Ray has a mysterious side—it’s known for leaping out of the water in sudden, acrobatic bursts, as if it's vanishing into thin air. With a gestation period of 1-3 years and devilrays typically only giving birth to a single pup per litter, populations are vulnerable to overfishing and bycatch incidents. While it may not live up to its devilish name, the Pygmy Devil Ray's elusive nature and spooky jumps make it a worthy addition to this series.

8. Comb jellies (Ctenophora)

From the haunting bloody-belly comb jelly (Lampocteis cruentiventer) to the cannibalistic warty comb jelly (Mnemiopsis leidyi), ctenophores or “comb jellies” are a rather spooky looking family. There are an estimated 60 species in Australian waters. Distinct from true jellies, their tentacles feature specialised cells called colloblasts which eject a sticky chemical to trap food.

Perhaps spookiest of all is Haeckelia rubra. Unlike most comb jellies, Haeckelia rubra preys on stinging jellyfish, not only for food but also for defense. It has the unique ability to steal and deploy the jellyfish's stinging cells, known as cnidocytes, onto its own tentacles. This eerie ability allows it to use another creature’s weaponry to ward off predators and capture prey, making it a rare example of biological theft. Occurring in Australian waters, Haeckelia rubra glides through the dark using its comb-like rows of cilia, making it a mesmerizing yet formidable presence in the ocean's depths.

9. Hooded seal (Cystophora cristata)

Lurking in the icy waters of the North Atlantic and Arctic oceans, the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata) is a large, earless seal with some unusual adaptations. Males are known for their bi-lobed hood, an extension of the nasal cavity, and their unique ability to inflate a bright red, balloon-like sac from one nostril. This striking display is used to assert dominance, during courtship, or when they feel threatened.

Hooded seals are the hermits of the seal world, migrating and remaining alone for most of the year until mating season. They are also remarkable deep divers, diving over 3,280 feet in search of squid, starfish and mussels. While more bizarre than spooky, the hooded seal's unusual appearance and solitary lifestyle make it one of the most fascinating marine mammals.