Grayson West
In 2024, a team of marine biologists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute explored the Salas y Gomez Ridge, a remote volcanic range deep in the Pacific Ocean. Their mission led to the discovery of five eerie new deep-sea fish species. The expedition also uncovered how these creatures survive in extreme environments. These discoveries offer a rare glimpse into a hidden world unlike anything seen before. Let’s start by exploring these fascinating species, followed by insights into the groundbreaking findings from the expedition.
The Blackfish That Absorbs Light
Among the strangest finds was a very dark fish that appeared as a shadow even under bright artificial lights. Its skin absorbs over 99% of the light that hits it, making it one of the blackest creatures ever discovered. This natural stealth helps it disappear from predators and sneak up on unsuspecting prey, an essential survival trick in the deep sea.
The ‘Casper’ Octopus With A Transparent Body
A ghostly white octopus, nicknamed ‘Casper,’ was spotted drifting along the ocean floor. Unlike its shallow-water relatives, it lacks pigment, which gives it a near-transparent appearance. This octopus has an unusual way of moving, using delicate, flowing motions to avoid detection. Researchers believe it lays eggs on deep-sea sponges, a behavior rarely observed in cephalopods.
The ‘Zombie’ Squid With Human-Like Teeth
One of the most unsettling discoveries was a rarely seen squid, Promachoteuthis. Unlike other deep-sea squid that rely on tentacles, this species has a wide, rigid mouth that looks eerily familiar. The squid was observed hovering motionless, using its natural buoyancy to conserve energy before ambushing prey in the darkness.
The ‘Walking’ Deep-Sea Fish
A bizarre fish with fin-like limbs stunned scientists as it moved along the ocean floor—not by swimming, but by walking. This species resembles a cross between a fish and a salamander and uses its modified fins to push itself along volcanic rock. The ability to “walk” may help it maneuver through the rugged terrain of the ridge, searching for small crustaceans hidden in crevices.
The Glowing Siphonophore
A hauntingly beautiful siphonophore, a colonial organism related to jellyfish, was seen glowing eerily in the deep. The glow comes from its bioluminescent flashes. Moreover, the species stretches into a long, drifting chain of specialized bodies, each playing a role in feeding, defense, or movement.
How These Species Survive In A Volcanic Hellscape
The Salas y Gomez Ridge is no ordinary deep-sea habitat. It’s an active volcanic region. Hydrothermal vents release scalding water rich in minerals, creating an extreme environment where only the most challenging organisms can survive. To endure these extreme conditions, the newly discovered fish have developed unique physiological traits, including heat-resistant enzymes and specialized gill structures.
The Role of Bioluminescence In The Deep
Light is a rare commodity in the abyss, but many species create their own. The glowing siphonophore, for instance, uses flashes of light to communicate, while other fish use glowing lures to attract prey. Some species even employ “counter-illumination,” a trick where they light up their undersides to blend in with the faint glow of the water above, making them nearly invisible.
Why These Creatures Remained Undiscovered Until Now
Despite covering 70% of the planet, the deep ocean remains the least explored region on Earth. Most submersibles can’t withstand the crushing pressures below 3,000 meters, leaving many species hidden. Advanced ROVs and high-resolution cameras on this expedition allowed scientists to capture these creatures in unprecedented detail.
Could Deep-Sea Species Inspire New Technologies?
The unique adaptations of these creatures may have applications beyond marine biology. Scientists studying ultra-black fish skin are exploring its potential in stealth technology, while some species’ bioluminescent properties could inspire new bioengineering methods. Even the ‘walking’ fish could provide insights into robotics, mainly designing machines capable of navigating rugged terrain.
What Else Lurks In The Deep?
If a single expedition uncovered these five bizarre species, the possibility that many more remain undiscovered is high. Scientists estimate that over 90% of deep-sea life has yet to be identified. Every dive into the abyss reveals something stranger than fiction, proving that Earth’s final frontier isn’t in space—it’s lurking in the ocean’s darkest depths, waiting to be found.