A previously-unknown snailfish species found lurking at the bottom of the Mariana Trench broke depth-defying records.
The creature was discovered at a depth of about 26,715 feet, and is the deepest-dwelling fish species ever discovered, Schmidt Ocean Institute reported. The species was filmed several times in the region near the coast of Guam. The findings were made during an expedition of the deep waters that focuses on a variety of ecosystems (instead of only targeting the deepest waters).
"Many studies have rushed to the bottom of the trench, but from an ecological view that is very limiting. It's like trying to understand a mountain ecosystem by only looking at its summit," said Jeff Drazen, co-chief scientist.
The fascinating fish is white and translucent, boasts broad wing-like fins and a slithering eel-like tail. The discovery of these fish could provide insight into how animals adapt to treacherous and high-pressure environments.
The mission also obtained the deepest rock samples known to science, which could provide insight into some of the earliest volcanic eruptions of the region.
"When findings and records such as these can be broken so many times in a single trip, we really do get the feeling we are at the frontier of marine science," said researcher Alan Jamieson.
The recent Hadal Ecosystem Studies (HADES) expedition, targeted a variety of environments and depths in the trench using five deep sea vehicle systems called landers.
"Rarely, do we get a full perspective of the ocean's unique deep environments. The questions that the scientists will be able to answer following this cruise will pave the way for a better understanding of the deep sea, which is not exempt from human impact," said Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and Vice President of Schmidt Ocean Institute.
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