A blind eel with gelatinous skin that gives birth to live offspring and a lizard fish with razor-sharp teeth are two examples of previously undiscovered deep-sea life that scientists have discovered.
A “bizarre” slew of new deep-sea critters have been discovered near undersea volcanoes in a distant section of the Indian Ocean.
Deep sea batfishes that use their arm-like fins to crawl on the ocean floor were found (Image: Benjamin Healley/Museums Victoria)
Scientists from Australia’s Museums Victoria Research Institute were astounded to discover bat-like fish, blind eels, and lizard fish with rows of razor-sharp teeth.
e batfish has a tiny ‘fishing lure’ tucked into their hollow snout that it can wiggle about to attract prey
They were spotted during an expedition to Austalia’s remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park, an area of 290,213 square miles (467,054 square kilometres) roughly 1,708 miles (2,750 kilometers) north-west of Perth, itself in the west of Australia.
The two coral atolls of the area are made up of 27 little islands with whitesand beaches, palm palms, and lagoons.
The crew inspected previously unknown deep-sea life, including a blind eel with gelatinous skin that gives birth to live young, gathering samples from over three miles deep.
The researchers were captivated by the creature’s poorly formed eyes, which were discovered over three miles underwater.
They also discovered a Highfin lizardfish, which have both ovaries and testes simultaneously.
A flatfish with eyes on one side of its head was also discovered, allowing it to see while lying on the seafloor.
Deep sea batfishes with arm-like fins that crawl on the ocean floor were also discovered.
The Sloane’s Viperfish, with its extended trail of lights along its underside, was also among the discoveries.
They also discovered a Highfin lizardfish, which have both ovaries and testes simultaneously (Image: Benjamin Healley/Museums Victoria)
“The fish are the standout deep-sea fashionistas,” expedition chief scientist Tim O’Hara of the Museums Victoria Research Institute told Live Science.
“They come in all shapes and sizes, with light organs, lures, rays modified into tripods or camouflage appendages, and huge (or missing) eyes. Each species superbly adapted to the extreme deep-sea environments.”
He added: “We have discovered an amazing number of potentially new species living in this remote marine park.”
The team also produced detailed three-dimensional images of the massive mountain underneath the islands, another first.
“It’s truly an honor to see, for the first time, these stunning features revealed from the deep,” Nelson Kuna, one of two Hydrographic Surveyors on board, said.
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