Deepest Known Fish Species Discovered During Mariana Trench Expedition

Posted on January 3, 2015

The Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) recently reported its amazing findings from an expedition in the Mariana Trench. The findings included the discovery of a new species, including the deepest fish ever recorded. The expedition from the Research Vessel Falkor was led by co-chief scientists Jeff Drazen and Patty Fryer of the University of Hawaii.

The expedition included five deep sea vehicle systems called landers. The landers targeted different depths in the Trench from 5000 meters to 10,600 meters (16,404 feet to 34,777 feet). The researchers wanted to get an idea of the ecosystem of the Trench rather than just focusing on its deepest point.

The expedition included the recovery of the deepest rock samples ever collected. It also included the discovery of new species, including a new species of snailfish at 7,500 meters. A new species of fish - and the deepest known fish - was encountered at 8,143 meters.

The researchers say in their report that the fish "has a novel body form that has not been seen before." The scientists say there were stunned by the find "because in other trenches, there is only one fish species at this depth--a snailfish; this fish is really different from any other deep-sea fish that scientists have ever."

The white translucent deep-sea fish is described as having wing-like fins and an eel-like body. This video includes footage of the fish.

Wendy Schmidt, co-founder and Vice President of Schmidt Ocean Institute, said in a statement, "Rarely, do we get a full perspective of the ocean's unique deep environments. The questions that the scientists will be able to answer following this cruise will pave the way for a better understanding of the deep sea, which is not exempt from human impact."



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