Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A 'Glaucus' nudibranch (sea slug) is no bigger than a US quarter coin. It preys on toxic Portuguese-men-of-war, appropriating their stinging cells for its own defense.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. When magnified, a splash of seawater can be seen to contain bug-like copepods, glassy arrowworms, fish eggs, a big-eyed larval crab the size of a rice grain, and much more besides.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A larval flounder is hidden from predators by its transparency (the color is an effect of lighting).

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. As an adult, a polychaete worm develops oar-like protrusions to help it paddle to the water's surface, spawn and die.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. Developing embryos are visible in fish eggs, which also house oil globules for nutrition.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A mantis shrimp larva remains invisible to predators through its transparency. Later it will develop into a predator itself.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A larval swordfish measures less than 2.5cm, yet can grow into a three-meter giant.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A slender mola, a type of sunfish which as an adult reaches well over half a meter in length.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A baby octopus foraging in the open sea is easy prey for other animals. As an adult it will remain on the sea floor, capturing prey with its tentacles.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus.

The blue button, a relative of the jelly fish, is not one organism, but a colony, joined at the gas-filled hub which keeps it afloat. Each tentacle has a specialized role, such as catching prey, reproducing, or digesting.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. A larval crustacean seeks out prey with its protruding eyes. Its sword-like rostrum serves for defense.

Marine microfauna from the ocean off Hawaii come under closer focus. The 'wings' on this pteropod snail are a modified foot, which propels the animal as it snares prey in a sticky mucous net.

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