Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration conducted an expedition to explore uncharted waters in the deepest parts of the Gulf of Mexico — and the images they brought back are astonishing.

During the mission, scientists spent three weeks aboard NOAA's Okeanos Explorer exploring and documenting some of the little-understood species who call the seafloor home.

Using a mix of remote-operated submersibles (ROVs), and shore-based instruments, the team brought back stunning images of these previously unexplored areas.

Check out what they brought back from the inky depths below: