Ghost-like creature discovered deep in the ocean

An unexpectedly large and white new predator species has been discovered deep in the Pacific Ocean.

The Atacama Trench, which extends 8,065 meters below sea level, is home to unique animal species.

Running parallel to the coasts of Peru and Chile, the trench lies in a nutrient-rich region, separate from other hadal zones. The hadal zone refers to parts of the ocean deeper than 6,000-7,000 meters.

In 2023, scientists conducting research in the area discovered, for the first time, a large predatory species belonging to the crustacean group at such depths.

Publishing their findings on November 27 in the peer-reviewed journal Systematics and Biodiversity, the team named the ghost-like white creature Dulcibella camanchaca.

Dr. Johanna Weston, a co-author of the article from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, stated:

"Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predatory species, and its name was inspired by the word for 'darkness' in the language of the Andean peoples, reflecting the deep and dark ocean from which it originates."

The first part of its name, "Dulcibella," comes from the character Dulcinea del Toboso in Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote.

Scientists collected four specimens of the creature from a depth of 7,902 meters. Through DNA analysis, they confirmed that this animal is not only a new species but also a new genus.

Dr. Weston remarked:
"The most exciting aspect is that DNA and morphological data reveal this species to be a new genus, emphasizing the Atacama Trench as a center of endemism."

Belonging to the Amphipoda order, the animal is surprisingly large, measuring 4 centimeters in length. Resembling a shrimp, D. camanchaca has developed appendages that enable it to catch smaller animals within the Amphipoda group.

The team plans to continue their research in the Atacama Trench and anticipates discovering additional new species.

Highlighting the significance of studying the depths of the oceans, scientists stress that such research can help us better understand how these ecosystems respond to challenges like pollution and global warming.