Dark ocean depths home to exotic, unknown life

A rare "Dumbo" octopod - a creature named as such because it flaps fins that look like ears of the cartoon flying elephant - is seen in the depths of the ocean in this undated handout photo released November 22, 2009. The permanent darkness of the ocean depths is home to a far greater range of animals, from luminous jellyfish to tubeworms that live off oil seeping from the seabed, than previously thought, scientists said on Sunday.  

 
A transparent sea cucumber, identified as Enypniastes, is seen at a depth of 2,750 meters (9,200) in the northern Gulf of Mexico in this undated handout photo released November 22, 2009. The permanent darkness of the ocean depths is home to a far greater range of animals, from luminous jellyfish to tubeworms that live off oil seeping from the seabed, than previously thought, scientists said on Sunday.