Deep in the depths of the ocean, hidden unique bell-shaped stalactites have been revealed in stunning new images.

The creepy phenomenon lurking under the water in Yucatan, Mexico, was caught on camera by underwater photographer Rino Sgorbani.

The deep limestone sinkhole, known as a cenote, is peppered with the massive collection of strangely beautiful bells.

THE HELL’S BELLS STALACTITES
The bells – often described as hell’s bells, elephant feet, shower heads and trumpets – range in size from tiny to as big as a person.

The stalactites were created by the precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling.

While most common stalactites have pointed tips, these have formed a bell shape.

Some suggest the bell shape might form because of wind blowing in the caves, but exactly what causes the shape remains a mystery.

The bells – often described as hell’s bells, elephant feet, shower heads and trumpets – range in size from tiny to as big as a person.

‘I was curious to go and photograph these strange forms of stalactites,’ said Mr Sgorbani. ‘They are unique – I immersed myself many times to get these beautiful pictures.

‘It was a one-of-a-kind experience, and I experienced many great emotions.’

The discovery was made in Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula, which is low and relatively flat with no surface rivers or streams.

But beneath the surface is a different story with huge cenotes dominating the landscape.

These cenotes are naturally formed pits or sinkholes made of limestone and some were used as a source of fresh water for Mayans with their entire towns built around them.

Cenotes are commonly found in low latitude regions, including coastlines, islands and areas like young post-Paleozoic limestones that have little soil development.

The stalactites were created by the precipitation of minerals from water dripping through the cave ceiling. Why exactly they are a trumpet-shape has baffled scientists.

Photographer Rino Sgorbani