Deep in the Pacific Ocean lives one of the strangest animals on Earth, the barreleye fish, scientifically known as Macropinna microstoma. Discovered in nineteen thirty nine, scientists originally believed its tubular eyes were fixed in place. It was not until marine biologists at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute observed live specimens in two thousand four that its true nature was understood.
The barreleye possesses a completely transparent, fluid filled dome on top of its head. Inside this clear shield sit two glowing green, barrel shaped eyes. What look like eyes on the front of its face are actually nares, which are olfactory organs used for smelling.
Its green eyes can rotate from looking straight up through its transparent head to looking directly forward. This adaptation allows the fish to spot the silhouettes of tiny prey drifting above in the twilight zone. It also helps the fish steal food trapped in the stinging tentacles of siphonophores without injuring its sensitive eyes.
Living at depths between six hundred and eight hundred meters, the barreleye remains one of the ocean's most remarkable evolutionary wonders.
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Disclaimer: This video is for informational and educational purposes. Facts are based on scientific research and photos are used for illustrative context.
