Where high resolution images are available for download, such images are available for free editorial use by media professionals, provided the copyright / photo credit information given below is reproduced and relevant organisation(s) credited. In all other cases the relevant organisations and individuals must be contacted.

More images:

More images of deep sea life from underwater photographer, Erling Svensen, such as the Periphylla periphylla, a jellyfish living from 200 to 2500 metres deep.

NOAA Ocean Explorer images (and video):

Vertebrates: Fish / Skates and Eels / Sharks Invertebrates: Sponges / Jellyfish, sea anemones / Corals / Sea stars, brittle stars, and sea urchins / Molluscs / Crabs and shrimp

Deep Sea Creatures

Scientists have speculated that as many as 10 million species may inhabit the deep sea - biodiversity comparable to the world's richest tropical rainforests. Because deep-sea species live in rarely disturbed environments and tend to be slow growing, late maturing and endemic, they are exceptionally vulnerable to changes to their environment, and therefore, particularly at risk from the devastation wreaked by deep sea bottom trawlers and potentially, extinction.

Visit The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition