Researchers analysing material from a 2022 deep‑sea survey in the Gascoyne Marine Park have formally identified the West Australian lantern shark (Etmopterus westraliensis) and two new porcelain crabs, Porcellanella brevidentata and Porcellanella longiloba. The lantern shark — about 40 cm long — was recorded near 2,000 feet and shows bioluminescent organs. DNA testing confirmed the crabs as distinct species despite subtle colour differences. Scientists say the single survey may have yielded close to 600 potentially new species and highlights how deep‑sea cameras aid conservation and climate monitoring.
Glowing Shark and Two New Porcelain Crabs Among 600 Potential Species Found in Deep‑Sea Survey Off Northwest Australia
A 2022 deep‑sea survey off the northwest coast of Australia has produced a trove of previously unknown marine life. Researchers analysing material from the expedition in the Gascoyne Marine Park have now formally identified at least three species: the bioluminescent West Australian lantern shark and two new porcelain crabs.
Key Discoveries
West Australian Lantern Shark (Etmopterus westraliensis)
The West Australian lantern shark is a small species, about 40 cm (roughly 15.75 in) long, recorded at nearly 2,000 feet below the surface. It bears bioluminescent organs that make parts of its body glow in the dark depths — an adaptation common among deep‑sea predators and prey.
Two New Porcelain Crabs
The Western Australian Museum and ABC News identify the two new species as Porcellanella brevidentata and Porcellanella longiloba. The crabs show subtle differences in the colouration of markings around the eyes, but researchers confirmed they are distinct species through DNA analysis.
“I think all up, including things like crabs and the molluscs, there's close to 600 new species potentially from that one survey,”
Other animals recorded during the voyage included two additional shark species, several sea stars, a scorpionfish and the Carnarvon flapjack octopus. Confirmations required extensive work: cross‑checking international databases, DNA comparisons and consultation with specialists worldwide, which is why formal identification took time.
Why This Matters
Deep‑sea cameras and remote sampling are essential tools for studying these hard‑to‑reach environments. They allow scientists to observe animals without disturbing habitats, build population maps, and track rare species. For example, footage was recently captured of the elusive faceless cusk — a fish seen just once since it was first described in 1878 — and in 2024 teams used baited cameras to attract the rare roughskin dogfish to improve population mapping.
These discoveries also inform conservation. Documenting biodiversity in remote areas helps researchers assess how warming seas and increasing ocean acidity — driven by rising carbon emissions — may affect isolated marine communities. As CSIRO researcher John Keesing noted, such surveys not only reveal unknown species but also help monitor climate impacts and identify species that might become important to ecosystems or science in the future.
Looking Ahead
The 2022 survey likely yielded hundreds of potential new species, and ongoing analysis may reveal more formal identifications. Continued deep‑sea research will be crucial for understanding biodiversity, guiding conservation efforts and anticipating ecological changes as the ocean environment evolves.
