The oceanic depths are puzzling and mystifying, which is a powerful draw for researchers, experienced divers, and photographers alike. Even though our civilization put its feet on the Moon, took photos of a dark hole, and landed rovers on Mars, we barely know about the things under the deep water.
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Lured by mystery, blackwater photographers dive into icy, pitch-dark depths. Taipei-based photographer
Wu Yung-sen has been deep-sea diving and photographing marine life for several years since 2016.
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
On a blackwater dive in Anilo in the Philippines in 2020, unable to see the bottom and surrounded by impenetrable tons of water, he chanced upon a rare larval
Wunderpus octopus.
Wunderpus octopus Source: yung-sen wu
The incredible images highlight just how delicate this creature is: its transparent body even allows an observer to see its brilliantly red brain - a sight few ever witness in the wild.
Wunderpus octopus Source: yung-sen wu
The Wunderpus octopus, called
Wunderpus photogenicus, literally meaning photogenic wonder, was only first officially described by researchers in 2006. The animal is still understudied compared to other octopi.
Wunderpus octopus Source: yung-sen wu
The species lives in the coastal waters of the Pacific Ocean south of the Philippines. The adults are rusty red with white spots and stripes. They can contort themselves to mimic other similarly shaded sea creatures, such as the venomous spiny lionfish.
Wunderpus octopus Source: yung-sen wu
The specimen was in this lifecycle phase and presented a visible brain within its translucent head. The avid diving photographer, who also works as a business consultant, knew he saw a rare phenomenon.
Source: yung-sen wu
Source: yung-sen wu
Wu Yung-sen's portfolio has a lot of other cool creatures too. He has captured this elusive creature and many others using the techniques employed by blackwater divers. These enthusiasts hope to encounter the unusual, solitary life forms in the open water.
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Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
Source: 吳永森 (Ace Wu)
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