The Pacific barreleye fish is one the weirdest creatures lurking deep in the ocean. Named after its eyes that are literally shaped like barrels, the species' most unique trait is the completely transparent head.
The species most distinctive trait is the transparent, fluid-filled dome on its head, through which the lenses of the eyes can be seen. The barrel-shaped eyes can be rotated to point either forward or straight up, looking through the transparent dome.
The mouth is tiny and most of the body is covered with large scales. Most caught specimens are 15 cm long, but they can grow to be at least 44 cm. The small mouth suggests that they are very precise and selective in capturing small prey.
They have large, flat fins which allow them to remain nearly motionless in the water and to maneuver with great precision.
The green pigments in the eyes may filter out sunlight coming directly from the sea surface, helping the fish to spot the bioluminescent light some jellies and other aquatic creatures emit.
They have large, flat fins which allow them to remain nearly motionless in the water and to maneuver with great precision.
The green pigments in the eyes may filter out sunlight coming directly from the sea surface, helping the fish to spot the bioluminescent light some jellies and other aquatic creatures emit.
