Dulcibella
| Dulcibella | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Malacostraca |
| Order: | Amphipoda |
| Family: | Eusiridae |
| Genus: | Dulcibella Weston & González, 2024 |
| Species: | D. camanchaca
|
| Binomial name | |
| Dulcibella camanchaca Weston & González, 2024[1]
| |
Dulcibella camanchaca is a species of amphipod crustacean discovered in the Atacama Trench, at depths of nearly 8,000 m (26,000 ft) in the South Pacific Ocean near Chile.[2][3] Measuring approximately 4 cm (1.6 in) in length, this predatory amphipod is adapted to the extreme conditions of the hadal zone, making it one of the deepest-living predators identified to date.[4][5]
Taxonomy
[edit]Dulcibella camanchaca belongs to the family Eusiridae and was formally described in 2024 by marine biologists Johanna Weston and Carolina Gonzále.[6][7] The genus name, Dulcibella, is derived from Dulcinea, a character in Don Quixote, consistent with a tradition of naming amphipods after literary figures.[8] The species epithet, camanchaca, originates from an Andean word meaning "darkness," referencing its deep-sea habitat.[9][10]
Discovery
[edit]The species was discovered during a 2023 oceanographic expedition that investigated the biodiversity of the Atacama Trench.[11] The research team used advanced deep-sea exploration equipment to collect specimens from depths nearing 8,000 meters.[12] The identification of D. camanchaca as a new species was confirmed through DNA analysis and detailed morphological examination.[13]
This discovery has contributed to the growing recognition of the Atacama Trench as a region of high biodiversity and endemism.[14]
Morphology and behavior
[edit]Dulcibella camanchaca is larger than most amphipods found at similar depths.[15] It exhibits predatory behavior, utilizing specialized appendages to capture and consume smaller crustaceans.[16] These adaptations suggest an ecological role as an active predator in the hadal zone.[17][18]
Significance
[edit]The identification of D. camanchaca highlights the ecological importance of the Atacama Trench and the potential for further discoveries in deep-sea environments.[19] Continued exploration of these regions may yield insights into the adaptations and biodiversity of organisms living in extreme conditions.[20]
References
[edit]- ^ 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). doi:10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430. Retrieved 13 December 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ ""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.
- ^ "Darkness unveiled: Fierce alien-like predator emerges from Earth's deepest depths". MSN.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Mrigakshi Dixit (11 December 2024). "Atacama Trench's terrifying new resident survives at extreme 25,900 feet". Interesting Engineering.
- ^ Divya Dhingra (17 December 2024). "Scientists Discover Alien-Like Predator in the Ocean's Depths, Call It 'Darkness'". The Tech Outlook.
- ^ "Scientists discover new 'miniature' predator on seabed". WSN. 22 December 2024.
- ^ "Scientists caught unknown marine predator". RBC Ukraine. 13 December 2024.
- ^ 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.
- ^ 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.
 | This article needs additional or more specific categories. (December 2024) |