Scientists discovered an alien-like creature named ‘darkness’ 25,925 feet below the ocean, sparking curiosity about deep-sea life.
Researchers have discovered a strange creature in the Atacama Trench off the coast of Chile.
The newly discovered species, Dulcibella camanchaca, was found at 25,925 feet (7,900 meters) below the ocean’s surface.
People describe the creature as having an “alien-like” appearance, capturing the interest of scientists and the public alike.
Scientists found eerie alien-like creature in some of the deepest waters
The discovery took place during an exploration mission known as the Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition.
Although scientists found the creature last year, they only recently published the findings.
The expedition aims to study various aspects of deep-ocean life and its dynamics.
It focuses on the Atacama Trench, one of the deepest parts of the ocean.
The Atacama Trench is formed by the movement of tectonic plates and reaches depths of around 26,246 feet (8,000 meters).
This trench is not only significant for its depth but also for the unique ecosystems that exist within it.
The researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía played key roles in this discovery.
The creature is an alien-like predatory amphipod.
Dulcibella camanchaca is classified as a predatory amphipod, which is a type of small crustacean.
People may describe it as “gigantic” for its kind, but it measures just under 4 centimeters in length.
Despite its small size, it is significantly larger than many of its relatives.
The creature has specialized appendages called gnathopods, which help it catch prey in the ocean’s dark depths.
People have likened the appearance of this amphipod to that of an alien due to its unusual body shape and features.
This has sparked curiosity and discussions about the diverse life forms in the deep sea.
This discovery is important for several reasons.
First, it adds to the understanding of biodiversity in one of the least explored regions of the planet.
The Atacama Trench hosts many undiscovered species, with each find providing valuable insights into life in extreme environments.
Dr. Johanna Weston, a co-lead author of the study, emphasized the significance of the findings.
She said that they named the species “darkness” to reflect the deep, dark ocean where it lives.
“Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator that we named after ‘darkness’ in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region to signify the deep, dark ocean from where it predates.”
Carolina González, co-lead author, highlighted that this discovery emphasizes ongoing biodiversity exploration in the Atacama Trench.
“This study’s collaborative effort and integrative approach confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species and highlights ongoing biodiversity discoveries in the Atacama Trench.”
Ongoing research aims to explore deep ocean ecosystems.
The IDOOS Expedition aims to study deep ocean circulation and water mixing in this unique environment.
Scientists are particularly interested in how these ecosystems are affected by global challenges such as pollution and climate change.
The ongoing research aims to shed light on how life thrives in extreme conditions and how these creatures interact with their environment.