Alien predator discovered in ocean’s depth. Scientists name it Darkness

The deep ocean, one of Earth’s most mysterious and diverse regions, continues to reveal secrets about its unique ecosystems.

Recent research has uncovered a new species of amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, from the Atacama Trench, located off the coasts of Peru and Chile.

The species name camanchaca, which translates to “darkness”, has been taken from indigenous languages in nearby western South America.

Found at a staggering depth of 7,902 meters during the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition, this discovery sheds light on the hidden biodiversity of the deep ocean.

The Atacama Trench is a hadal zone, a term used to describe the deepest parts of the ocean, ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 meters. These areas are incredibly challenging to study due to their depth and the extreme conditions, but they are home to highly specialised and often unique species.

The Atacama Trench is particularly fascinating because of its isolation and high levels of sediment, creating a distinct environment for life to evolve.

Over the years, several species have been identified as unique to this trench, including amphipods, snailfish, and even a mud dragon.

The newly discovered Dulcibella camanchaca, named for its graceful body structure, adds to the growing list of endemic species. This amphipod belongs to the Eusiridae family, which includes other predatory species found in deep trenches worldwide.

Using advanced techniques like DNA barcoding, scientists confirmed that this species represents a new genus within its family, expanding the known diversity of deep-sea predators.

What makes predatory amphipods like Dulcibella camanchaca particularly intriguing is their role in the deep-sea food web. Unlike scavengers that feed on organic debris, these predators actively hunt smaller organisms, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems.

The discovery highlights the Atacama Trench as a biodiversity hotspot and underscores the importance of continued exploration of the deep ocean. Each species found not only enriches our understanding of marine life but also emphasizes the need to protect these fragile ecosystems from threats like climate change and human activities.