Benthic species from The Gulf of Mexico (Brine Pool, Garden Bank, Vioska Knoll, Green Canyon).

All are found at depths from 1000 to 3000 feet.

The giant deep-sea isopod (pillbug) Bathynomus gigantea

Deep-sea hermit crab without shell (Pagurus curacaoensis)

The giant mussels (Bathymodiolus childressi) found at the shore of the Brine Pool

The top snail Callistoma benedicti

Cataegis meroglypta

The toadfish Chaunax suttkusi found on the shores of the Brine Pool

The sea urchin Echinus melo

Iridescent top snail

The chirostylid crab Eumunida picta

The sea star Odontoaster hispidus

The brittle star (serpent star) Ophiocreas sp.

The neritid snail Bathynerita naticoidea

The crab Paralomis cubensis

The spiked sea robin Peristedion greyae

Adult form of the crab Rochinia crassa

Adult form of the crab Rochinia crassa

The sea star Sclerasterias contorta

Scorpion fish of unknown species

The pencil urchin Stylocidaris lineata

The hermit crab Sympagurus pictus with its shell covered by an anemone

The sea star Tamaria halperni

(All photographs by Sonke Johnsen; contact for rights)