The Canadian scientists were on a 20-day expedition when they started gathering samples from 3 kilometers deep in the ocean.

What they found was 2 new species of coral and at least 6 different sponge species which the scientists called “trees of the ocean” because of their importance in the ocean ecosystem.

These sponges and corals were examined and thought to be over 1,000 years old. The new specimens are crucial to marine life because the newly found coral species for example, is several meters long and helps to chance the flow of water currents – just like a tree in a forest serves to cut down wind and house birds and other creatures.

The snake jumped in the pond, picked up a goldfish three times its size in its mouth and carried it right back out on the deck. He then proceeded to coil around it and swallow it. Apparently, he got tired of it quick because he spit it out as soon as he had it in its mouth!

The Crinoid is an ancient creature that stems from the echinoderm family and is a relative of the starfish. This peculiar looking creature appear very plant-like and resembles an aquatic fern. The Crinoid coils its legs very gracefully, as seen in the picture above, and uses its legs to trap small plankton and other debris.

This species of sea cucumber is called the Holothuria Argus and believe it or not, this sea cucumber is humongous! If you were to pick it up, it would be as long as your arms…stretched out. Now that is a scary thought, and I wouldn’t want to be in its presence!

This purple sea star was one of the largest and most colorful new species collected by scientists during a recent survey in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands.

The animal’s flamboyant hue and large size suggest that it may have little to fear from predators. And unlike some of its sea-star relatives, this species is active during the day, giving biologists another hint that the creature may have few enemies in the ecosystem.