He lives in the depths of the abyss and is bioluminescentwe’re talking about one new species of sea snail discovered way back in 2000 by MBARI researchers, Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute.
New because until now scholars, despite knowing of its existence, had not managed to classify it. When they first came across the curious animal off the coast of Monterey Bay at 2,614 meters of water, they noticed that it had a bulky hooded structure at one end and a flat tail with numerous finger-like projections at the other, but not understanding what it was they called it “mysterious mollusk“.
Many other specimens were sighted over the years until researchers, thanks to careful analyses, understood that it was a sea snail or nudibranch (Bathydevius caudactylus) widespread in the depths of the abyss, between 1000 and 4000 meters below the surface of water.
MBA scientist Bruce Robison said of the discovery:
Thanks to MBARI’s advanced underwater technology, we were able to make the most complete description of a deep-sea animal ever. We have invested more than 20 years in understanding the natural history of this fascinating nudibranch species. Our discovery is a new piece of the puzzle that may help better understand Earth’s largest habitat.
A more unique than rare animal spotted, for the moment, off the Pacific coast of North America, but also in northern Oregon and southern California. While a very similar animal has been spotted in the Mariana Trench of the Western Pacific, suggesting that the mysterious mollusc may have a wider distribution.
Compared to other sea snails, it does not feed on prey via its hoarse tongue, but uses a cavernous hood that allows it to trap crustaceans, similar to some jellies, anemones and tunicates.
For avoid predatorsFurthermore, it takes advantage of two characteristics: on the one hand it uses its transparent body, on the other glows with bioluminescence to discourage and distract them.
MBARI researchers found that like other nudibranchs, the mysterious mollusk is a hermaphrodite that possesses both male and female sexual organs.
The innovative MBARI technology behind this incredible discovery has so far allowed us to document more than 250 deep-sea species previously unknown to science.
SOURCES: Mbari/Deep-Sea Research Part I.
Rainbow Sea Slug: discovering the wonderful rainbow snail (which very few have been lucky enough to admire)
