The hidden beauty of plankton: Incredible microscopic sea creatures caught on camera

From the Daily Mail (article)

Bobbing away in the dark depths of the ocean, these tiny creatures display a unique beauty that few get to truly appreciate.

And the latest publication by a scientist who studies these microscopic animals is set to become an unlikely bestseller - all thanks to the beauty of plankton.

His coffee table book about the amazing life forms that live unseen in the oceans has dozens of remarkable photographs taken through a microscope.

The book also points out that without the miniature creatures we would have no fish, oil, gas or clouds, and the sea would lose its distinctive smell.

The images show the variety of micro marvels and mini monsters that live in the sea, including tiny jelly fish and urchins, sea butterflies and sea angels.

There are minute fish, spaghetti worms, larvae, fish eggs and every shape that nature has the power to create.

Many of the little creatures have been magnified hundreds of times so they can be clearly seen.

The crab zoea has javelin-like spines that are longer than its body and the paddle worm, almost transparent to the naked eye, looks like a rowing boat with oars either side.

With explanations about the plankton and astonishing facts included in the text that are based on years of research, the book is tipped to be a Christmas present hit.

Dr Kirby says the importance of plankton is not widely understood and he hopes his book will spread their appeal.

The plankton food web underpins the whole marine food chai, from fish to oceanic sea birds such as petrels and kittiwakes that eat them.

 

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