In a groundbreaking advancement for marine science, researchers have discovered a new species of deep-sea snailfish, named the bumpy snailfish (Careproctus colliculi). This discovery emphasises the critical need to study deep-ocean biodiversity, particularly as global climate change and human activity continue to impact marine ecosystems.The bumpy snailfish represents more than just a new addition to marine taxonomy. Using MBARI’s cutting-edge underwater technology, scientists from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) and the State University of New York at Geneseo (SUNY Geneseo) were able to capture detailed observations of this unique species. Their research, published in the journal Ichthyology and Herpetology sheds light on the adaptations and survival strategies of deep-sea organisms and highlights the extraordinary biodiversity hidden within the largely unexplored depths of the ocean.
About the deep-sea creature discovered: The bumpy snailfish
The bumpy snailfish is an extraordinary species that immediately stands out due to its distinctive pink colour and textured skin. Measuring just 9.2 centimetres (3.6 inches) long, this small fish features a round head, large expressive eyes, and wide pectoral fins with unusually long uppermost rays. Its bumpy texture is not merely aesthetic, it may play a role in sensory perception or environmental adaptation, allowing the fish to navigate the deep-sea environment where light is nearly absent.Snailfishes, including the bumpy snailfish, belong to the family Liparidae, which is known for its incredible diversity and unique adaptations. These fishes typically have jelly-like bodies, loose skin, and narrow tails, enabling them to withstand extreme pressure and frigid temperatures at great depths. Some species possess a suction disk on their bellies, allowing them to cling to surfaces or even hitchhike on larger sea creatures. This diversity of adaptations illustrates how life can thrive in some of the planet’s most hostile environments.
How was the bumpy snailfish discovered
The discovery of the bumpy snailfish is a story of both chance and meticulous scientific effort. In 2019, MBARI researchers aboard the research vessel Western Flyer explored the outer reaches of Monterey Canyon, approximately 100 kilometres (62 miles) offshore of Central California. Using the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts, the team observed the bumpy snailfish swimming above the abyssal seafloor at a staggering depth of 3,268 metres (10,722 feet).Once collected, the specimen underwent detailed laboratory analysis, including micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scans and DNA sequencing. These techniques allowed scientists to examine the fish’s skeleton, internal organs, and genetic makeup, confirming it as a species previously unknown to science. Such rigorous investigation demonstrates the power of modern technology in marine research, transforming fleeting underwater encounters into lasting scientific knowledge.
Other newly described snailfish species found in
The discovery of the bumpy snailfish coincided with the identification of two additional species from the deep Pacific Ocean:
Dark Snailfish (Careproctus yanceyi): A fully black fish with a rounded head and horizontal mouth, collected at approximately 4,100 metres (13,100 feet) depth. Its dark pigmentation is an adaptation to the near-complete absence of light in its deep-sea habitat.
Sleek Snailfish (Paraliparis em): Distinguished by a long, black, laterally compressed body and the absence of a suction disk, this species exhibits a unique jaw angle. Its name honours Station M, a research site where the specimen was collected, and recognises the contributions of scientists and long-term monitoring programmes in deep-sea research.
These discoveries highlight the astonishing variety of snailfish adaptations, from clinging suction disks to streamlined bodies designed for efficient swimming. Each species represents a unique evolutionary response to the challenges of the deep ocean.
Inside the deep sea: Observing the bumpy snailfish in its natural habitat
The video provides a fascinating glimpse into the deep-sea habitat of the bumpy snailfish, showcasing its unique pink coloration, bumpy skin texture, and graceful movements above the abyssal seafloor. Captured by MBARI’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Doc Ricketts, the footage allows viewers to observe the fish in its natural environment, swimming amid the darkness of the deep ocean at extreme depths. The video also highlights the cutting-edge technology used in modern deep-sea exploration, including high-definition cameras and lighting systems that reveal previously unseen behaviours and interactions of deep-sea species, offering an invaluable perspective on the mysterious life thriving far below the ocean surface.
The role of MBARI in deep-sea discoveries
The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute has long been at the forefront of deep-sea exploration, developing innovative underwater vehicles and imaging technologies that make the inaccessible depths of the ocean observable and studyable. By combining robotics, high-definition cameras, and advanced sensors, MBARI scientists can document life in extreme environments without disturbing fragile ecosystems.MBARI’s collaborative approach has been equally crucial. By sharing video footage, CT scan data, and genetic sequences with experts worldwide, including researchers at SUNY Geneseo, the University of Montana, and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, the institute maximises the potential for new discoveries. These partnerships frequently lead to the identification of new species, offering insights into both the diversity and the evolutionary history of deep-sea life.
Life in extreme environments: How snailfish survive the deep
Life in the abyssal ocean is defined by extreme conditions: near-freezing temperatures, crushing pressures, and total darkness. Deep-sea snailfish have evolved remarkable adaptations to thrive under these circumstances. For instance, their soft, jelly-like bodies provide flexibility under high pressure, while large eyes enable maximal light detection in a dark environment. Certain species possess chemical compounds in their tissues that prevent cellular damage from extreme pressure, highlighting the sophisticated physiological mechanisms that support life at depth.Also read | Scientists discover how Earth’s interior took shape in its first 100 million years