Scientists have discovered more than 50 new species of weird and wonderful creatures in the Pacific depths.
During a 40-day research expedition, an international team of scientists scoured the Salas y Gomez Ridge near Rapa Nui (also known as Easter Island) using remote-operated underwater vehicles.
In total, they covered a whopping 30,115 square miles along 1,800 miles of seamounts. The species they uncovered were remarkable to say the least and included everything from glow-in-the-dark dragonfish to a strange multi-tentacled creature dubbed the ‘flying spaghetti monster’. Out of 160 species observed, around one-third were thought to be totally new to science.
“The astonishing habitats and animal communities that we have unveiled… constitute a dramatic example of how little we know about this remote area,” said Dr Javier Sellanes of the Universidad Catolica del Norte.
“These expeditions will help alert decision-makers about the ecological importance of the areas and contribute to strengthening protection strategies within and beyond jurisdictional waters.”
A video showing some of the team’s most spectacular finds can be viewed below.
Tessa B
All this weird alien looking life exists and is recognized by science, but NO, SASSY is too much.
Charles C
Well, it would seem the difference is they collected actual SPECIMENS of the new species. Yeah, Sassy, not so much.