Scientists have identified a new predatory crustacean, Dulcibella camanchaca, nearly 8,000 meters deep in the Atacama Trench between Peru and Chile. The four-centimeter animal uses raptorial appendages to capture smaller crustaceans and was observed by a team including researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. The find underscores how much of the deep ocean remains unexplored and highlights the importance of continued surveys to protect biodiversity and better understand the ocean’s role in regulating climate.
New Predatory Crustacean, Dulcibella camanchaca, Found Nearly 8,000 Meters Deep in Atacama Trench
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Researchers have discovered a previously unknown predatory crustacean nearly 8,000 meters below the ocean surface in the Atacama Trench, the deep trough that runs along the coasts of Peru and Chile. The animal, named Dulcibella camanchaca, measures roughly four centimeters and uses specialized raptorial appendages to grab and clamp down on smaller crustaceans.
Details of the Discovery
The sighting occurred during a survey conducted by a team that included researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and collaborators from Chile. Observations in this extreme, high-pressure environment revealed a predatory behavior not usually expected at such depths, demonstrating unexpected ecological complexity on the deep seafloor.
"This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile's front yard," said Carolina González of Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía, a co-lead author of the study. She added that continued surveys of the Atacama Trench are likely to yield further discoveries.
Why the Find Matters
The discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca highlights how little we still know about the deep ocean. Large portions of the seafloor remain unmapped and many marine species are undescribed; some estimates suggest a very high fraction of marine biodiversity is still undocumented. Each new expedition can reveal organisms with unusual adaptations that challenge assumptions about life under extreme pressure, cold and darkness.
Beyond scientific curiosity, deep-sea biodiversity matters for global systems. The ocean plays a central role in regulating climate, producing oxygen, absorbing carbon dioxide and supporting fisheries that feed billions of people. Protecting these ecosystems helps preserve the services they provide and the potential scientific and medical discoveries they contain.
Looking Ahead
Discoveries like this one strengthen the case for sustained deep-ocean exploration and conservation. As mapping and targeted biological surveys expand, researchers expect to document many more species and better understand how deep ecosystems function and respond to human-driven change.
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