40 Strange But True Posts Shared By The Instagram Account “The Weird Unknown”
I love finding Instagram accounts that make me immediately forget what I opened the app for in the first place.
The Weird Unknown is full of bizarre history, strange facts, and random discoveries that send you straight into a satisfying internet rabbit hole.
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1.
Nikolai the walrus received a fish cake for his birthday from a zookeeper. This was his reaction.
2.
Meet the northern right whale dolphin, a rare species instantly recognizable for its lack of a dorsal fin—one of only two dolphins in the world without one. Its smooth, torpedo-like body helps it slice through the water with minimal resistance, giving it a sleek, almost whale-like profile. These dolphins are famous for their aerial displays, often leaping, spinning, and performing synchronized maneuvers in massive groups called superpods that can number up to 3,000. They frequently travel with Pacific white-sided dolphins, diving deep to chase schools of squid and small fish. Agile, social, and acrobatic, they remain one of the most fascinating and elusive marine mammals of the Pacific.
3.
What started as a routine cleaning job turned into a once-in-a-lifetime discovery for Jennifer Dowker, a boat captain and scuba instructor in Cheboygan, Michigan. While cleaning the hull of her glass-bottom tour boat, she spotted a small green bottle resting on the riverbed. Curious, she dove down and retrieved it—only to find a delicate, handwritten note inside. To her surprise, the message dated back to November 1926 and read: “Will the person who finds this bottle return this paper to George Morrow, Cheboygan, Michigan, and tell where it was found?”
Moved by the century-old message in a bottle, Dowker posted photos of it on her company’s Facebook page, hoping to find George Morrow’s family. The story quickly went viral, and soon, Morrow’s daughter saw the post and confirmed it was her father’s handwriting. She shared that he had a habit of leaving little notes and surprises—making this discovery all the more personal. For Dowker, it wasn’t just about finding an old letter—it was about connecting the past with the present in a way that brought joy to people across generations.
4.
New research is reshaping how we understand fish—and how we treat them. Studies show that fish can endure up to 22 minutes of intense pain after being removed from water. Once exposed to air, they experience suffocation-like trauma, with their gills damaged and oxygen supply cut off. During this time, fish display clear signs of distress: gasping, erratic thrashing, and neurological responses that closely mirror pain in other animals. These findings challenge long-standing assumptions that fish don’t feel pain and raise ethical questions about fishing and handling practices. As the science deepens, it pushes for a reevaluation of how we interact with marine life, both in commercial and recreational settings.
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The Pacific Ocean is the biggest and deepest body of water on the planet, spanning more than 63 million square miles—roughly one-third of Earth’s surface. Its immense size makes it larger than all of Earth’s land combined. Yet, it’s often underrepresented in satellite images of Earth. Most widely shared photos focus on the Atlantic side, where major continents and population centers are located. Because of this, the Pacific—an ocean so vast it stretches almost uninterrupted by land—is frequently overlooked, despite dominating our planet’s geography.
6.
Seals have a unique way of resting in the ocean, often using kelp forests as their natural hammocks. The swaying fronds provide a secure and sheltered spot, helping them stay anchored while they enter a light sleep state. Unlike humans, seals can hold their breath for extended periods, allowing them to nap underwater without surfacing frequently. This behavior highlights the adaptability of marine mammals and the crucial role kelp forests play in ocean ecosystems. These underwater forests not only offer protection from currents and predators but also serve as essential habitats for a wide variety of marine life.
7.
Depending on the species, whales can weigh between 30 and 200 tons, with blue whales reaching lengths of up to 100 feet—the largest animals to have ever lived. They also have impressive lifespans, with some, like the bowhead whale, living over 200 years. Beyond their size and longevity, whales play a vital role in ocean ecosystems by redistributing nutrients from deep waters to the surface, supporting marine life. This rare eye-to-eye moment serves as a reminder of their significance in our shared world.
8.
The pistol shrimp snaps its claw with such speed that it creates a bubble reaching temperatures around 4,700°C—as hot as the surface of the sun. This rapid snap generates a shockwave powerful enough to stun or k**l prey instantly. As the bubble collapses, it produces a tiny flash of light, making the pistol shrimp one of the few creatures capable of creating plasma underwater.
9.
In 2021, a Google Maps satellite image revealed a mysterious, jet-black triangular shape in the middle of the Pacific Ocean, sparking wild online speculation about its origin. Some theories ranged from secret military bases to underwater caverns. However, it was soon identified as Vostok Island, an uninhabited coral atoll in the Republic of Kiribati, located about 4,000 miles east of Australia. 
The island’s dark appearance in satellite imagery is due to its dense coverage of Pisonia trees, which grow so closely together that they create an almost impenetrable canopy, absorbing most of the sunlight and giving the island its black-hole-like look from above. Vostok Island spans approximately 0.1 square miles and remains largely untouched, with no freshwater sources and limited fauna, making it an intriguing yet isolated landmass in the vast Pacific Ocean. 
10.
In late July, 25-year-old Joseph Kramer, owner of Atlantic Lobster Company, discovered a rare “cotton candy” lobster in the final trap of his day off the coast of New Castle, New Hampshire. The lobster’s stunning lavender, purple, and pink hues make it an extraordinary find, with odds of catching such a specimen estimated at 1 in 100 million.
Kramer brought the lobster to the Seacoast Science Center in Rye, where aquarist Sam Rutka confirmed it was a healthy male. Rutka, with over a decade of experience, has only worked with 15 cotton candy lobsters. “It’s definitely the only one I’ll ever catch, and maybe even the only one I’ll see again,” Kramer told Seacoastonline, expressing joy that the rare creature is now on display for others to admire.
11.
On Brazil’s Marajó Island, military police have been using water buffaloes for patrols since the early 1990s, adapting to the region’s difficult terrain. These powerful animals can traverse swamps, rivers, and dense mangroves where traditional vehicles struggle, making them an invaluable asset for law enforcement. Their strength and endurance allow officers to efficiently pursue suspects and maintain security in remote areas, especially during the rainy season. This unconventional policing method has become a unique symbol of Marajó’s law enforcement strategy, blending tradition with practicality.
12.
Tobias Baumgaertner (@tobiasvisuals), a German photographer, captured a poignant image of two fairy penguins embracing on a rock with Melbourne’s skyline in the background. The photograph, taken after three nights spent with the penguin colony, shows an elderly female and a younger male comforting each other after both lost their respective partners. This touching moment has garnered international acclaim as a symbol of love and companionship during challenging times.
13.
Scuba-diving lizards have a unique survival trick: they can form air bubbles on their foreheads to breathe underwater, allowing them to remain submerged for extended periods and evade predators. In 2018, scientists captured the first footage of a semi-aquatic lizard, the stream anole (Anolis oxylophus), using a bubble of stored oxygen around its snout to breathe underwater — a behavior never before observed in lizards. Since then, researchers have discovered at least 18 other species of anoles, including water anoles (Anolis aquaticus), that share this ability. Previously, it was unclear whether this bubble allowed the lizards to remain underwater longer or if it was just a byproduct of their water-repellent skin.
14.
An incredible natural spectacle! 64,000 green sea turtles gather near Raine Island, Australia’s largest nesting site, in a breathtaking display of marine life. Nature at its finest.
15.
In 2010, photographer Laurent Ballesta and his team made history by capturing the first images of a living coelacanth in its natural habitat off South Africa’s Sodwana Bay. Armed with 32kg (71lb) of camera equipment, Ballesta described the coelacanth as “a masterpiece in the history of evolution.” These ancient fish, abundant 410 million years ago during the Triassic Period, belong to the “lobe-finned” group, the evolutionary ancestors of land-dwelling vertebrates like amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. Long thought extinct, the coelacanth was rediscovered in 1938 when one was caught off South Africa’s coast, and later filmed alive in 1987 by ethologist Hans Fricke. Living in the benthic zone at depths of up to 300m (984ft), coelacanths inhabit underwater caves during the day and hunt at night. Inspired by diver Peter Timm’s sighting in 2000, Ballesta trained with advanced rebreather diving technology, enabling him to reach depths of 120m (393ft) and encounter these elusive “living fossils” firsthand.
16.
The mimic octopus is one of the ocean’s most skilled illusionists, with the remarkable ability to impersonate over 15 different marine species. Its talent goes far beyond simple camouflage—it actively changes its shape, color, and movement to mimic dangerous animals like lionfish, jellyfish, and sea snakes to avoid predators. What makes its disguises especially impressive is how it mimics behavior, not just appearance. For example, when pretending to be a sea snake, it hides most of its body in the sand and waves two arms to create a convincing snake-like motion. This strategic flexibility allows the mimic octopus to tailor its disguise to the threat it faces, making it one of the most adaptable and deceptive creatures in the sea.
17.
At just 16 years old, Robin Lee Graham left California on a solo mission to sail around the world—a journey that would stretch over five years and test his endurance through storms, isolation, and countless unpredictable challenges. Along the way, he brought his cat for companionship and eventually met his future wife during a stop in South Africa. Graham completed his voyage in 1970 and documented the entire experience in his memoir Dove, which became a bestseller. After the adventure of a lifetime, he traded life at sea for a quieter one in Montana, where he settled down and started a new chapter.
18.
Two ancient sharks hidden for over 325 million years have been uncovered inside Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave—the world’s longest known cave system. The prehistoric giants, Troglocladodus trimblei and Glikmanius careforum, measured around 12 feet long and once roamed shallow tropical seas long before the age of dinosaurs. Their discovery, part of a fossil-rich site that includes over 70 species of ancient fish, sheds new light on shark evolution and marine life during the Carboniferous period as Pangaea began to form. These findings offer a rare glimpse into a time when much of present-day North America was submerged beneath a vast inland sea.
19.
A massive fiberglass shark statue lurks at the bottom of Lake Neuchâtel in Switzerland, drawing adventurous divers to its eerie depths. Estimated to be around 20 feet long, the figure features a menacing grin and was first discovered in 2002. Investigators believe the statue was originally a prop for Choc au Lac!, a production by the association La Jeunesse de la Côte. Now a popular underwater attraction, it continues to fascinate those equipped with the gear—and courage—to visit the lake’s hidden “predator.”
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21.
The ozone hole over Antarctica is on track to recover to 1980 levels by around 2066, thanks to decades of international action targeting harmful chemicals. The key driver of this progress is the 1987 Montreal Protocol, a landmark treaty that led to a global phaseout of ozone-depleting substances like CFCs. Since then, levels of these substances have dropped, and scientists have seen clear signs of healing in the ozone layer. According to NASA and NOAA, if current policies hold, the Antarctic ozone hole will continue to shrink—leading to full recovery by 2066.
22.
The Carnian Pluvial Event, occurring 232-234 million years ago, brought nonstop rainfall for up to two million years. This extreme climate shift was triggered by massive volcanic eruptions in present-day Alaska and British Columbia, which released greenhouse gases, warming the planet and intensifying monsoon conditions. While the event caused widespread extinctions, it also played a crucial role in shaping Earth’s ecosystems. The drastic environmental changes paved the way for the rise of dinosaurs and other modern terrestrial species, marking a pivotal moment in evolutionary history.
23.
During a NOAA dive on July 27, 2021, at Retriever Seamount, the team aboard the Okeanos Explorer captured an amusing deep-sea scene that immediately reminded viewers of SpongeBob and Patrick from the Nickelodeon classic. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), they photographed a bright yellow sponge and a pinkish starfish sitting side by side on the ocean floor. Scientifically speaking, the sponge is a glass sponge from the genus Hertwigia, and the starfish is likely Chondraster grandis, both common in Atlantic seamount ecosystems. But unlike the cheerful cartoon duo, real-life Chondraster sea stars are predators—and this “Patrick” might have been sizing up the sponge for its next meal.
24.
What you’re seeing are the vascular bundles, the structures responsible for transporting water and nutrients throughout the plant. These bundles function like tiny pipelines, arranged vertically to form the stalk of the grass, ensuring the plant gets the resources it needs to thrive.
25.
A stunning natural phenomenon can be witnessed at Japan’s San’in Kaigan Geopark, where snow meets sand to create a breathtaking coastal landscape. This rare blend of snow-covered shores offers a surreal and unforgettable view.
Located on Hokkaido Island, the geopark was designated a Japanese Geopark in 2008 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2010. Stretching from Kyogamisaki Cape in Kyoto to Hakuto Kaigan Coast in Tottori, it showcases Japan’s diverse and captivating natural beauty.
26.
Hurricanes are unable to cross the equator due to the absence of the Coriolis effect at that latitude—a force critical to their formation and rotation. Without it, the spinning motion needed to organize and maintain a storm system simply can’t take shape. Adding to this, prevailing wind patterns near the equator typically move east to west and don’t support the north-south movement required for a hurricane to shift into the opposite hemisphere. As a result, storms stay confined to the side of the equator where they originated.
27.
In early 2022, passengers aboard a Viking cruise ship near the Antarctic Peninsula experienced a rare encounter with the elusive giant phantom jellyfish (Stygiomedusa gigantea). These deep-sea creatures, characterized by their umbrella-like bells and long, ribbon-like arms, were observed at depths ranging from 260 to 920 feet. Typically residing in much deeper waters, their presence in relatively shallow Antarctic regions remains a subject of scientific curiosity. The sightings, facilitated by submersible dives from the cruise ship, provided valuable insights into the behavior and habitat of this seldom-seen species. Researchers hypothesize that factors such as upwelling currents or the jellyfish’s own movements might bring them closer to the surface in these regions. These observations underscore the importance of continued exploration and study to deepen our understanding of deep-sea life.
28.
Crabeater seals, despite their misleading name, feed almost exclusively on Antarctic krill—not crabs. What sets them apart is their incredibly specialized teeth, which have evolved to suit this specific diet. Their multi-lobed teeth interlock to create a natural filter, allowing them to strain krill from seawater much like baleen whales do. This built-in filtration system makes crabeater seals some of the most efficient krill hunters in the Southern Ocean.
29.
In 2019, wildlife photographer Yves Adams captured a once-in-a-lifetime image of a golden penguin while on an expedition to South Georgia. The bird stood out strikingly among a colony of thousands, thanks to its unusual bright yellow feathers. The penguin’s distinctive coloration is likely caused by leucism, a rare genetic condition that results in reduced melanin, affecting only parts of the plumage. Unlike albinism, leucism doesn’t affect the eyes, allowing the bird to thrive in the wild. This rare find quickly drew global attention for its beauty and scientific curiosity.
30.
Rare Footage: The Black Sea Devil (Melanocetus johnsonii) caught on Camera in Broad Daylight This elusive deep-sea anglerfish, usually confined to the ocean’s abyss, has been recorded near the surface—a nearly unprecedented event. Renowned for its bioluminescent lure, the Black Sea Devil uses light to attract prey in complete darkness. Scientists suggest that shifting ocean currents or environmental changes may have brought it into shallower waters, offering a rare glimpse into the mysteries of the deep sea.
31.
Orcas breaching in rough seas, photo taken from a sword fishing boat off the coast of Nova Scotia
32.
A study from Norwich Research Park reveals that humans can detect geosmin, the earthy scent released before rain, with greater sensitivity than sharks can detect blood. This surprising finding highlights the human nose’s acute ability to pick up geosmin at concentrations as low as 100 parts per trillion. While sharks are renowned for sensing blood in water at one part per million, humans far exceed this ability when it comes to geosmin. This compound, produced by soil-dwelling bacteria, is what gives rainfall its distinct, recognizable aroma.
33.
A team of geologists from UC Riverside has identified what could be the earliest known ancestor to most animals alive today—including us.
Named Ikaria wariootia, this tiny, wormlike creature marks the beginning of the bilaterian lineage: animals with a front and back, two symmetrical sides, and a through-gut with openings at both ends. The discovery, published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, sheds light on a crucial step in evolutionary history.
Before Ikaria, the Ediacaran Biota dominated—an ancient group of multicellular life forms like sponges and mat-like algae that came in a variety of shapes but lacked features seen in most modern animals. Even well-known fossils like Dickinsonia didn’t have key traits like a mouth or digestive system.
That’s what makes Ikaria such a breakthrough—it’s the first confirmed link to the anatomical blueprint shared by most animals today.
34.
Meet the Pink Panther of the ocean—the world’s only known pink manta ray. First spotted near Lady Elliot Island off the coast of Australia, this extraordinary creature has captivated scientists and ocean lovers alike with its rare and vivid coloring.
The manta’s unique pink hue is caused by a genetic mutation known as erythrism, which reduces black pigment and gives it a rosy appearance unlike anything else in the sea.
Most manta rays come in shades of black, white, or a combination of both, making this individual a true standout in the marine world. Its rare appearance is not only a visual marvel but also a reminder of how much wonder still exists beneath the waves.
35.
I love how it’s EXACTLY what you would expect.
36.
The Neptuno de Melenara is a striking bronze sculpture of the sea god Neptune, also known as Poseidon, found along the shores of Melenara Beach in Gran Canaria, Spain. Designed by artist Luis Arencibia, the statue towers at about four meters and features Neptune gripping his iconic trident—representing the island’s strong ties to the ocean.
Positioned atop a rugged sea rock, the figure seems to rise straight from the water, serving as a powerful symbol of Gran Canaria’s enduring relationship with the sea and the people who have long lived in harmony with it.
37.
In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have identified a vast underground water reservoir located approximately 400 miles beneath Earth’s surface. This subterranean ocean is estimated to contain three times more water than all of Earth’s surface oceans combined. The water is not in liquid form but is trapped within a h**h-pressure mineral called ringwoodite, which acts like a sponge, absorbing water under extreme conditions.
The presence of such a significant amount of water deep within the Earth’s mantle challenges existing theories about the planet’s water cycle and geological processes. This discovery suggests that Earth’s interior may play a more active role in the global water cycle than previously understood, potentially influencing phenomena such as volcanism, plate tectonics, and the long-term stability of surface oceans. 
38.
Galápagos marine iguanas—nicknamed “mini-Godzillas”—are the world’s only ocean-diving lizards, and they’re found nowhere else but Ecuador’s famed islands.
With powerful claws, flattened tails, and an appetite for underwater algae, these reptiles can dive 30 meters and hold their breath for up to half an hour.
Their prehistoric look—complete with spiny backs and salt-sneezing noses—once unnerved Darwin and now captivates wildlife lovers.
Despite their dramatic appearance and large colonies, they’re officially listed as Vulnerable.
39.
Scientists have witnessed octopuses teaming up with fish to hunt—only for the octopus to occasionally s****r-punch its partner mid-mission. These underwater alliances are usually efficient: octopuses flush prey from reef crevices, while fish catch whatever darts out. But every so often, without warning, the octopus lashes out with a punch.
While some jabs are strategic—maybe to redirect an overeager fish or stake claim to food—others seem totally unprovoked. In a 2020 study published in Ecology, marine biologists noted punches delivered when no food was present and no interference occurred.
The behavior, dubbed “active displacement,” might be a way for octopuses to assert dominance or even express something surprisingly close to frustration or spite.
40.
Scientists have identified a bizarre new species lurking in the depths off Antarctica: the Antarctic strawberry feather star (Promachocrinus fragarius). This deep-sea crinoid features up to 20 arms—some long and feathery, others short and stiff—sprouting from a central body that oddly resembles a strawberry.
Found nearly 4,000 feet below the surface, its unique look and vivid hues of red and purple have drawn comparisons to alien lifeforms, though it’s firmly rooted in Earth’s marine lineage alongside starfish and sea urchins.
The discovery adds to a growing list of strange creatures adapted to survive in extreme ocean environments. Its unusual form isn’t just for show—it helps the feather star drift and feed in the frigid, dark waters.
As scientists continue to explore these remote regions, findings like this reinforce how much of our planet’s biodiversity remains hidden, waiting to be revealed.