Dulcibella
 | This article may contain an excessive number of citations. (June 2025) |
| Dulcibella | |
|---|---|
| |
| Holotype specimen; female | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Amphipoda |
| Family: | Eusiridae |
| Genus: | Dulcibella Weston & González, 2024 |
| Species: | D. camanchaca
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| Binomial name | |
| Dulcibella camanchaca Weston & González, 2024[1]
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Dulcibella camanchaca is a species of amphipod in the monotypic genus Dulcibella.[a] The species inhabits the Atacama Trench, and is found at depths of nearly 8,000 m (26,000 ft) in the South Pacific Ocean near Chile;[5][6] this makes it one of the deepest-living predators identified to date, being well adapted to the extreme conditions of the hadal zone.[7][8]
Discovery
[edit]The species was first observed during a 2023 oceanographic expedition,[9] in the process of installing the Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS), a network of sensors designed to aid scientific research within the Atacama Trench.[10] The research team used benthic landers to collect specimens from depths nearing 8,000 meters, and four specimens were used to describe the species.[11] Dulcibella camanchaca was formally described in 2024 by marine biologists Johanna Weston and Carolina González;[12][13] the identification of D. camanchaca as a new species was confirmed through DNA analysis and detailed morphological examination.[14] This discovery has contributed to the growing recognition of the Atacama Trench as a region of high biodiversity and endemism.[15][16] Continued exploration of these regions may yield insights into the adaptations and biodiversity of organisms living in extreme conditions.[17]
Description
[edit]![[icon]](/wiki/File:Wiki_letter_w_cropped.svg){kind=small} | This section needs expansion with: actual diagnostic characters[1]. You can help by adding to it. (June 2025) |
Dulcibella camanchaca is larger than most other amphipods found at similar depths, measuring approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) in length.[18] It exhibits predatory behavior, using specialized appendages to capture and consume smaller crustaceans,[19] which suggest an ecological role as an active predator in the hadal zone.[20][21]
Notes
[edit]- ^ The genus name Dulcibella derives from Dulcinea of Don Quixote, consistent with a tradition of naming amphipods after literary figures.[dubious – discuss][failed verification][2] The specific epithet camanchaca originates from an Andean word[vague] meaning "darkness," referencing its deep-sea habitat.[3][4]
References
[edit]- ^ a b Weston, Johanna N. J.; González, Carolina E.; Escribano, Rubén; Uloa, Osvaldo (27 November 2024). "A new large predator (Amphipoda, Eusiridae) hidden at hadal depths of the Atacama Trench". Systematics and Biodiversity. 22 (1). Bibcode:2024SyBio..2216430W. doi:10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430.
- ^ "Darkness unveiled: Fierce alien-like predator emerges from Earth's deepest depths". Times of India.
- ^ Jess Thomson (10 December 2024). "Eerie 'Darkness' Predator Discovered in Deep Ocean". Newsweek.
- ^ Mark Kaufman (17 December 2024). "26,000 feet undersea, scientists find a ghostly predator". Mashable.
- ^ Sammi Caramela (18 December 2024). "Deep-Sea Predator Built for Killing Discovered 8,000 Meters Underwater". VICE News.
- ^ "Researchers discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench". MSN.
- ^ Alex Mitchell (17 December 2024). "Deep-sea predator discovered with a body made for 'capturing, killing and feasting', scientists say". New York Post.
- ^ "Mysterious 'Alien-Like' Creature Discovered By Scientists In Deep Ocean, Revealing Unexplored Marine World". Jagran English.
- ^ Mrigakshi Dixit (11 December 2024). "Atacama Trench's terrifying new resident survives at extreme 25,900 feet". Interesting Engineering.
- ^ "Chile completes the installation of its first Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System". Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean. Retrieved 2025-02-08.
- ^ Divya Dhingra (17 December 2024). "Scientists Discover Alien-Like Predator in the Ocean's Depths, Call It 'Darkness'". The Tech Outlook.
- ^ "Alien-like' predator found by scientists in ocean depths, named 'darkness' | The amphipod was found in the Atacama Trench". Inshorts.
- ^ Amanda Grzimel. "Deep-sea discovery: New predator species found in Atacama trench". MSN.
- ^ "Scientists discover new 'miniature' predator on seabed". MSN. 22 December 2024.
- ^ "Scientists caught unknown marine predator". RBC Ukraine. 13 December 2024.
- ^ Tommy (10 December 2024). "Newly Discovered Predator Thrives in the World's Most Unforgiving Ocean Depths". Optic Flux.
- ^ Russel McLendon (12 December 2024). "Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Predator, Name It 'Darkness'". ScienceAlert.
- ^ Maya Edwards (15 December 2024). "Unbelievable Deep-Sea Discovery! Meet the Alien-Like Predator that Defies Expectations!". www.scimag.news.
- ^ Dr. Emma Lee (12 December 2024). "Unveiling Darkness: Alien Predator Found in Ocean Depths Shocks Scientists Worldwide!". Faharas Net.
- ^ "Creepy crustacean: Meet the deep sea predator named 'darkness'". Oceanographic Magazine. 12 December 2024.
- ^ "Chile's Deep-Sea Discovery: A Predator in the Abyss". Latin American Post. 17 December 2024.