Earlier this month, researchers from the Schmidt Ocean Institute returned from a deep-sea expedition to the bottom of the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon off the coast of Argentina. It was the first time humans had directly observed the seafloor of this vast underwater basin.
Using their remotely operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian, the scientists descended to depths of more than 3,500 metres (almost two miles) to make in situ observations of the canyon's walls and floor – and to document the biodiversity they harbour.
What they discovered was truly breathtaking; bright-pink lobsters, shimmering dragonfish, spike-backed crabs and a brooding mother octopus sheltering her eggs with her arms. In all, the team believe they may have found 40 new marine species in the Mar del Plata Submarine Canyon.
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One of the most striking observations was made at a depth of 1,500 metres (nearly a mile), where researchers found a sprawling field of unidentified red corals (Anthomastus sp.).
These deep-sea soft corals are known as mushroom corals – a name given to them for their flat or dome-shaped bodies that often resemble the cap of a mushroom. Footage (below) from the expedition captures the moment the ROV comes across the incredible sight.
Confirming the new species will take time, say the scientists, whose next step is to compare specimens from the expedition with known animals.
Top image: Anthomastus sp. Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute | CC BY-NC-SA Attribution
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