A team of scientists has discovered a new predatory crustacean species in the hadal zone of the Atacama Trench, located off the coast of northern Chile. The newly identified species, named Dulcibella camanchaca, is a large and active predator that thrives in one of Earth’s harshest environments.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO) at the Universidad de Concepción, Chile. The team found Dulcibella camanchaca using a lander vehicle to collect specimens from depths of over 7,900 meters.
This finding highlights the importance of continued exploration and study of deep-sea ecosystems. The Atacama Trench is home to a unique community of native species that have adapted to extreme conditions. Dulcibella camanchaca uses specialized appendages to capture smaller amphipod species in the food-limited realm.
The discovery was part of the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition, led by scientists from IMO. The study’s findings confirm that Dulcibella camanchaca is a new genus and emphasizes the Atacama Trench as an endemic hotspot for biodiversity.
“This study confirms the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile’s front yard,” said Dr. Carolina González, co-lead author from the IMO. “More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench.”
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/darkness-revealed-fierce-predator-emerges-from-earths-deepest-waters