Swarm Angler

Many species of fish and amphibians utilize mouth brooding, a tactic in which parents gather their offspring inside their mouths to shield them from approaching danger. Female swarm anglers contort this ability for a darker purpose. Female specimens grow so large that they become virtually immobile by the time they reach adulthood. As all energy is diverted toward gaining mass, she sheds her ability to produce light and lure-in prey. Instead, she allows her vibrant offspring to venture out into her small territory, attracting the attention of would-be predators. After a time, she emits a pheromone from the appendage on her snout that signals her children to come home, baiting the curious predators into her cavernous maw. In exchange for unwittingly bringing food to the table, the offspring get their share of scraps and the relative safety of their mother's mouth. The sheer quantity of her swarm ensures that enough offspring will survive to establish the next generation, even if the majority are lost in the dangerous game of bait and switch.

24x20"

2016

Pixelfish

The docile, delicate pixelfish is known for its ability to manipulate millions of microscopic photophores to display a variety of images ranging in purpose from camouflage to courtship. When truly threatened it achieves a level of mimicry unparalleled in the animal kingdom. By arranging its “pixels” in tight concentric circles and illuminating dozens of hollow bone filaments in its fully extended ventral and dorsal fins, the pixelfish can create a staggering likeness of a wide-eyed predator equipped with a full array of needle-sharp fangs. 

18x24"

2016

Matchstick Cuttlefish

The matchstick cuttlefish combines advanced camouflage with two lure-like tentacles to become a veritable master of illusion. Like other cuttlefish species, they are capable of changing both the color and texture of their skin to match a variety of surroundings. When hunting, it hovers nearly invisibly at the openings of caves and crevices amongst the rocky ocean floor. If hidden prey is detected, it extends two delicate tentacles equipped with light-producing photophores. By using these elongated appendages to mimic the movements of small bioluminescent invertebrates, the matchstick cuttlefish lures small fish from the safety of their dens into their awaiting arms.

20x24"

2015

Bearded Gulper Eel

The bearded gulper eel is a far larger and more active predator than its relatives, and constantly scans the ocean depths for small fish and crustaceans. It takes its name from its delicate external gills, which provide the oxygen necessary for a life on the move. They become most active at dusk, when smaller denizens of the Aphotic Zone migrate toward the surface of the ocean to feed in the safety of the night. Bearded gulpers follow these migrations and use their headlight-like photophores to illuminate plankton and shrimp. This proves irresistible to schools of lanternfish, who begin to feast on the glowing morsels. Meanwhile, the bearded gulper approaches with its mouth wide open, scooping up any fish too slow to flee.

20x24"

2015

Andromeda Squid

One of only two known surviving species in the cephalopod order Vampyromorphida (commonly referred to as vampire squid). The andromeda squid is named after the well known spiral-arm galaxy, due to the female’s appearance during her dazzling courtship ritual. Members of the species spend most of their lives alone, floating throughout the deep sea and passively feeding on debris from upper layers of the ocean (dubbed “marine snow”). When a female is ready to mate, she activates the hundreds of photophores imbedded throughout her body, extends her arms, and begins a spinning dance that attracts males from a wide distance.

18x24"

2015

Abyssal Mantis Shrimp

Like related species, the abyssal mantis shrimp is a voracious predator. This variety has adapted to live on the ocean floor, generally amongst volcanic vents, where life is abundant even in the frigid depths of the Aphotic Zone. While shallow-water mantis shrimp are known for their ability to perceive and display an immense range of color, the abyssal variety instead possess colonies of bioluminescent bacteria throughout their carapace. When activated, they emit bursts of light that confound any unfortunate onlookers. Meanwhile, its advanced limbs snare the stunned prey at astonishing velocities.

24x20"

2015

Tube-Eyed Catfish

The tube-eyed catfish utilizes its motion-sensing whiskers and extremely perceptive eyes to detect prey even in the darkest environments. It is known to favor seeking out the bioluminescent flares used by smaller predators to lure in prey (such as the anglerfish), devouring them moments before their own trap is sprung.

18x24"

2015