The giant cusk-eel (Spectrunculus grandis) is one of the largest bony fishes in the deep abyss. Sometimes called “swimming noses,” these fish rely on their large olfactory organs to sniff out their next meal. They are not picky eaters—a hungry Spectrunculus will dine on a variety of bottom-dwelling invertebrates like crustaceans, worms, and sea stars or just as happily nibble on decomposing carcasses.

In the deep sea, food can seem scarce unless you know where to look. Poop, snot, dead plankton, and larger animal carcasses sinking from the ocean’s surface provide a tasty treat for seafloor scavengers. To find a feast in the vast abyss, it helps to follow your nose.

Spectrunculus is just one of the many magnificent animals that thrive on the abyssal seafloor. As society looks to the deep sea for mining rare minerals such as cobalt and nickel, understanding the importance of this spectacular species and other abyssal animals has become especially urgent. Our research is revealing how human actions will affect deep-sea communities. We are providing the information policymakers need to guide their decision-making about the ocean, its inhabitants, and its resources.

Next time you think about the ocean, remember these charming and curious deep-sea neighbors roaming the seafloor. Learn more about this and other fascinating animals of the deep: https://www.mbari.org/animal/giant-cu....

Script writer: Lila Luthy
Editor: Ted Blanco
Narrator: Lila Luthy
Motion graphics: Madeline Go
Production team: Larissa Lemon, Raúl Nava, Kyra Schlining, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
Music: Classroom by Emi Nishida