Those who think of the deep sea imagines disturbing creatures with sharp teeth and threatening looks. Yet, off the California coast, a group of biologists brought to light three new species of snail fish that surprised everyone for their appearance. Among these, the Bitorzoluto snail fish stands out, a small pink fish with a rounded shape and almost tender gaze, capable of overturning the prejudices on the creatures of the abysses.
Three species with unique characters
The study, published in the magazine Bioonedescribes in detail three new species: Bitterzoluto snail fish (Careproctus Colliculi), dark snail fish (Careproctus Yanceyi) and smooth snail fish (Paraliparis EM). The first two were identified more than 4,100 meters deep thanks to the Alvin submarine, while the Bitorzoluto snail fish was observed in the Monterey Canyon with a remote controlled vehicle at over 3,200 meters below sea level.
Snail fish are certainly not a rarity: over 400 species scattered between ocean seabed, cliffs and even tidal pools are known. However, finding two species never described before in the same point was surprising for researchers, who underline how much there is still to be discovered in the abysses. Their gelatinous body, the big head and, in many cases, the ventral adhesive disc that helps them attach themselves to the seabed or animals, make them extremely adaptable.
Each new discovery brings with it a symbolic name. The dark snail fish was dedicated to the biologist Paul Yancey, who with his studies helped to understand how organisms manage to survive the extreme pressure of the deep sea. The smooth snail fish recalls the search station in the name Station mwhere it was found, while the Bitorzoluto snail fish owes its name to the particular texture of the skin.
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How this discovery has come
To define these species, biologists sequenced DNA and analyzed in detail morphological characteristics such as vertebrae and body proportions. The result is not only a more precise classification, but also an extra piece to understand the evolution of life in extreme environments. With their colors ranging from pink to blue and even purple, snail fish show that even the darkest abysses can reserve surprising creatures and, sometimes, even “adorable”.
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