Hoff crab: The hairy-chested crustacean that farms bacteria on its hairs

Name: Hoff crab (Kiwa tyleri)

Where it lives: East Scotia Ridge, Southern Ocean

What it eats: Bacteria 

Why it's awesome: It turns out that the Yeti does exist — or at least it does underwater. Named after the abominable snowman, this family of deep-sea squat lobsters was first discovered in 2005. The first example was nicknamed the yeti crab due to the crustacean's white coloration and hairiness. This name was extended to the rest of the family as more species were discovered and described. Later, one hairy-chested species (Kiwa tyleri) was nicknamed "The Hoff" after "Baywatch" actor David Hasselhoff.

But these nicknames are the least-fascinating aspects of this small crustacean. K. tyleri manages to survive in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. In 2010, a remotely operated vehicle dove down to the hydrothermal vents on the East Scotia Ridge in the Southern Ocean and found these yeti crabs densely packed together, with up to 700 individuals per square meter.

Life in these volcanic hydrothermal vents is precarious. The liquid ejected from the vents can reach a scorching 721.04 degrees Fahrenheit (382.8 degrees Celsius), yet not far from the vents, the Antarctic waters are freezing. The crabs must survive in the small area between the two extremes.

Related: The amazing world of Antarctic yeti crabs