Amazing discoveries of new marine life

Arnab Maitra
3 min readJul 20, 2023

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Marine biology has always been a field of endless wonders and amazing discoveries, and in recent years, new species of marine life have been discovered that have amazed scientists and the general public alike. Some of the most exciting and intriguing new discoveries in the world of marine life are:

The Yeti Crab

Fig: The Yeti Crab

In 2005, a new species of crab was discovered off the coast of Antarctica, and it quickly became known as the Yeti Crab due to its unique appearance. The Yeti Crab has long, dense fur-like strands on its claws, which are actually colonies of bacteria that the crab uses to obtain nutrients. This discovery has shed new light on the relationships between marine animals and the microbes that live on and around them.

The Glowing Siphonophore

Fig: The Glowing Siphonophore

In 2010, scientists discovered a new species of deep-sea jellyfish that produces its own light, a characteristic known as bioluminescence. The Glowing Siphonophore is an incredible sight, appearing as a long, glowing string of light in the deep ocean. This discovery not only highlights the incredible diversity of life in the deep sea, but it also sheds new light on the evolution of bioluminescence and its role in survival in this extreme environment.

The Peanut Worm

Fig: The Peanut Worm

The Peanut Worm is a new species of worm that was discovered in the Indian Ocean in 2017. This worm is particularly interesting because it has the ability to change its shape and form, a characteristic that is extremely rare in the animal kingdom. Scientists believe that the Peanut Worm’s shape-shifting abilities may have evolved as a way to avoid predators or to hide from its prey.

The Enigma Squid

Fig: The Enigma Squid

In 2019, a new species of squid was discovered in the deep sea off the coast of Australia. The Enigma Squid is notable for its unique appearance, which includes long, flowing tentacles and a distinct, spiral-shaped shell. This discovery highlights the incredible diversity of life in the deep sea and the importance of continued exploration and research in this environment.

The Pigbutt Worm

Fig: The Pigbutt Worm

In 2020, a new species of worm was discovered in the deep sea, and it quickly became known as the Pigbutt Worm due to its unique appearance. The Pigbutt Worm has a distinct pig-like head and a large, round tail that it uses to burrow into the seafloor. This discovery has provided new insights into the behavior and survival strategies of deep-sea organisms.

These are just a few examples of the amazing discoveries that have been made in recent years in the world of marine life. The ocean continues to reveal its secrets, and there is no doubt that there are many more exciting discoveries yet to be made. With continued research and exploration, we can continue to uncover the incredible diversity and complexity of life in the ocean and the vital role it plays in maintaining a healthy and sustainable planet.

[ The above content was originally featured on the official website of Kolpomanos Foundation in the Blog Section.

Here is the link to the official website:- www.kolpomanos.org.in ]

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