The phrase "I can see right through you" is more than just a phrase to this bazaar creature. Macropinna microstoma is the only species of fish in the genus Macropinna, belonging to Opisthoproctidae, the barreleye family. It is recognized for a highly unusual transparent, fluid-filled dome on its head, through which the lenses of its eyes can be seen. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has more information on this deep sea dweller.
I guess it's pretty neat to look fantastical. It's even more impressive to have such unique hunting and digestive adaptations as this fish does.
ReplyDeleteWhat is even cooler than a strange looking deep sea fish? One with a see-through head. It is interesting that the two structure above the mouth, that look like eyes, are actually its olfactory organs. The eyes are completely enclosed within the "canopy" over the head.
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