A small, discreet pink fish, previously unknown, has just joined the long list of mysterious inhabitants of the abyss. Discovered off the coast of California, it intrigues with its singular appearance and its adaptation to an extreme environment.
An unexpected encounter at the bottom of the canyon
In 2019, a mission from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) was exploring the deep sea of Monterey Canyon using a remotely operated vehicle. At a depth of over 10,500 feet (3,200 meters), a small pink fish with prominent eyes caught the researchers' attention. This specimen, measuring 3.6 inches (9.2 centimeters) in length, was collected for laboratory study.
The team noted that this individual clearly differed from other snailfish already known in the region. To confirm its identity, MBARI sought the help of specialists from the State University of New York at Geneseo. The joint work led to the identification of three new species, including this fish now named
Careproctus colliculi, or the bumpy snailfish.
Surprising adaptations to abyssal life
Snailfish are known for their gelatinous bodies and ventral disc that allows them to attach to surfaces or even to other animals. Their diversity is remarkable: more than 450 species have been described worldwide, from coastal tide pools to the deepest ocean trenches.
The Mariana snailfish holds the record for the deepest-living fish, at nearly 27,000 feet (8,200 meters) deep. This ability to colonize so many habitats makes this family a model for studying the evolution of adaptations to cold, darkness, and crushing pressure.
The new species discovered in California enrich this understanding. Their particular anatomy, revealed by microscopy and micro-CT imaging, highlights unique characteristics that clearly distinguish them from their close relatives.
Cooperation between several American universities played a key role in this identification. By combining their expertise, researchers were able to compare the morphology and genetic heritage of these specimens with those of other members of the Liparidae family.
This discovery adds to the many efforts made by researchers to better understand life in the ocean depths. These areas, cold, dark, and crushed by pressure, still harbor many unknown forms of life.
Article author: Cédric DEPOND