A new species has been discovered in the Atacama Trench, one of the deepest and least explored areas of the ocean. A previously unknown predator, Dulcibella camanchaca, was found at a staggering depth of 7,902 meters (4.9 miles).
An Unexpected Find in the Atacama Trench
During a 2023 expedition, scientists set out to study the life forms of the Atacama Trench, using baited traps to attract scavengers.
What they didn’t expect was to capture a large predatory amphipod. The traps, which were baited with chicken, yielded a surprising result—a previously undocumented predator of significant size.
In their paper, the scientists behind the discovery described the capture as “unexpected,” emphasizing the element of chance involved in deep-sea research.
Lead author Johanna Weston from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution said, “With baited traps, it is essential to remember that we are fishing, and with fishing, there is a lot of skill, but also a lot of luck.”
A Perfect Fit for the Extreme Depths
Named Dulcibella camanchaca, this amphipod represents a species perfectly adapted to life in the deep-sea trench.
Despite lacking eyes, this creature has developed other specialized senses to survive in the pitch darkness of the ocean floor.
“What is remarkable about amphipods is that they are so diverse and can be found in many places, like headwater streams, caves, the beach, and the deepest parts of the ocean,” said The lead author Johanna Weston from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution explained.
“Surprisingly, until fishes, the species that live at depth don’t look wildly different from those at the beach,” he added.
Life in the Abyss: How Creatures Thrive in Extreme Ocean Depths
Co-author Carolina E. González from the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía described the amphipod’s adaptations, noting, “It has a slender and agile body that likely allows it to move easily along the seafloor.
Its front legs are large and strong, resembling pincers, which are probably ideal for catching and holding prey.”
This adaptability is important for surviving in one of the most hostile environments on Earth, where pressure can exceed 1,000 times the surface level.
Exploring the Mysterious Ecosystem
This discovery adds another piece to the puzzle of the Atacama Trench’s ecosystem.
The ecologist also explained that “with baited traps, it is essential to remember that we are fishing, and with fishing, there is a lot of skill, but also a lot of luck.”
The Search in Uncovering New Species
The fact that the Dulcibella camanchaca was caught at a depth previously unexplored in the Atacama Trench highlights the potential for further discoveries in these remote regions.
The deep ocean is still largely unknown, and every new species uncovered reveals just how much remains to be learned.
“There is always something new to learn and discover, and we now have one more piece to the puzzle of the Atacama Trench ecosystem,” said Weston.
