Annelid Worm (Photo: Daniel Desbruyeres) Piglet Squid (Photo: Alan Kinnear) Dumbo Octopus (Photo: David Shale) Cirrate Octopod (Photo: Michael Randall) Deep Sea Physonect (Photo: Kevin Raskoff)

See right for five stunning images of bizarre beasts from those unveiled at the 11th International Deep-Sea Biology Symposium, held this week in Southampton, UK.

Annelid worm

Nereis species found at a deep-sea vent.

Piglet squid

Perhaps a species of Helicocranchia. Its cartoon-character appearance is a result of its habit of swimming upside down, which makes its tentacles look like hair.

Dumbo octopus

Stauroteuthis syrtensis, a deep-sea cirrate octopus. Also known …