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Deep-sea Smelt
During Dive 03 of Windows to the Deep 2021, we conducted a series of midwater transects at several depths to gain a better understanding of what lives in the water column in this region. We spotted this deep-sea smelt in the family Bathylagidae during our 500-meter(1,640-foot) transect. Given the proximity to the surface, lighting was a challenge at this depth, but we were still able to image several arrow worms in the phylum Chaetognatha along with siphonophores, jellyfish, and other animals.
Credit

Image courtesy of NOAA Ocean Exploration, Windows to the Deep 2021.