Over 100 Stunning New Species Found
Over a hundred novel species of exotic marine creatures have been unveiled in the vicinity of towering underwater peaks off Chile’s coast. This discovery was made by an international group of researchers who ventured into the uncharted territories of sea mountains, some reaching heights of up to 3,530 meters.
The expedition, spearheaded by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, revealed a diverse collection of species previously unknown to science, including unique deep-sea corals, sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, and squat lobsters.
Utilizing a remotely operated underwater vehicle, the team probed the depths of the ocean floor, encountering marine life in regions as deep as 4,500 meters. They discovered that each underwater mountain hosted a rich variety of ecosystems, many of which were classified as vulnerable, featuring vibrant coral reefs, sponge gardens, and an array of peculiar fish, lobsters, and amphipods.
Dr. Javier Sellanes from the Universidad Católica del Norte in Chile expressed astonishment at the sheer number of new species found, particularly among sponges, expressing that the findings surpassed their expectations. The team is currently examining the physical and genetic characteristics of these specimens to officially classify them as new species.
The captivating journey and its findings can be viewed through the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s video footage below. Make sure to check it out, it is amazing!