On an expedition for National Geographic, James Cameron made it to the deepest part of the ocean. It’s hard to overstate the personal challenges of this feat: To spend hours alone in a cramped space, with temperature veering from a hundred degrees F down to near freezing, pressures threatening to bubble nitrogen from your veins. And all for the chance to photograph alien life. In 3-D of course–for us all to see next year on the big screen. 🙂
Cameron didn’t seem too enthused about the amphipods he found so far. Perhaps that’s because he already used one as the basis for Alien queen. Perhaps he’s hoping for a toothsome anglerfish. But my favorite amphipods are those found at thermal vents–symbiotic with bacteria that oxidize hydrogen sulfide in their blood. Thermal vents support other sulfide-eating life, including tube worms, crabs, and giant clams.
Which denizens of the ocean deep would you most like Cameron’s film to show?
Joan Slonczewski 
2 responses to “Cameron in the Deep”
Beaked whales (Mesoplodon spp.). Any time you have a whale that’s only known from a skull or two washed up on a beach, it’s obvious we don’t know enough about them.
They do look interesting. And they’re sighted all over, but rarely. Feeding on squid–quite a diet. Perhaps it’s good for them they stay under.