The GEOMAR research center in Germany went on a deep-sea mission to study biodiversity off Cape Verde. Photographer and marine biologist Solvin Zankl set up a shipboard studio to photograph creatures brought up from the depths, so we can get up close and personal with them, and learn a bit about them. For example, you might think this viperfish would have trouble chomping down with those teeth, but he has a terrifying way of coping.
Like many other deep-sea fishes, the Sloan’s viperfish (Chauliodus sloani) uses light-producing cells called photophores to lure unsuspecting prey toward its mouth. Once it catches its victim, the viperfish’s hinged teeth rotate inward to trap the animal and force it inescapably down the predator’s gullet.
See an entire gallery of weird deep-sea creatures at Atlas Obscura.
(Image credit: Solvin Zankl)