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Dulcibella

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Deep-sea amphipod species

Dulcibella
Scientific classification Edit this 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

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. 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.

Taxonomy

Dulcibella camanchaca belongs to the family Eusiridae and was formally described in 2024 by marine biologists Johanna Weston and Carolina Gonzále. The genus name, Dulcibella, is derived from Dulcinea, a character in Don Quixote, consistent with a tradition of naming amphipods after literary figures. The species epithet, camanchaca, originates from an Andean word meaning "darkness," referencing its deep-sea habitat.

Discovery

The species was discovered during a 2023 oceanographic expedition that investigated the biodiversity of the Atacama Trench. The research team used advanced deep-sea exploration equipment to collect specimens from depths nearing 8,000 meters. The identification of D. camanchaca as a new species was confirmed through DNA analysis and detailed morphological examination.

This discovery has contributed to the growing recognition of the Atacama Trench as a region of high biodiversity and endemism.

Morphology and behavior

Dulcibella camanchaca is larger than most amphipods found at similar depths. It exhibits predatory behavior, utilizing specialized appendages to capture and consume smaller crustaceans. These adaptations suggest an ecological role as an active predator in the hadal zone.

Significance

The identification of D. camanchaca highlights the ecological importance of the Atacama Trench and the potential for further discoveries in deep-sea environments. Continued exploration of these regions may yield insights into the adaptations and biodiversity of organisms living in extreme conditions.

References

  1. 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.
  2. Sammi Caramela (18 December 2024). "Deep-Sea Predator Built for Killing Discovered 8,000 Meters Underwater". VICE News.
  3. "Researchers discover new ocean predator in the Atacama Trench". MSN.
  4. Alex Mitchell (17 December 2024). "Deep-sea predator discovered with a body made for 'capturing, killing and feasting', scientists say". New York Post.
  5. "Mysterious 'Alien-Like' Creature Discovered By Scientists In Deep Ocean, Revealing Unexplored Marine World". Jagran English.
  6. ""Alien-like' predator found by scientists in ocean depths, named 'darkness' | The amphipod was found in the Atacama Trench". Inshorts.
  7. Amanda Grzimel. "Deep-sea discovery: New predator species found in Atacama trench". MSN.
  8. "Darkness unveiled: Fierce alien-like predator emerges from Earth's deepest depths". MSN.
  9. Jess Thomson (10 December 2024). "Eerie 'Darkness' Predator Discovered in Deep Ocean". Newsweek.
  10. Mark Kaufman (17 December 2024). "26,000 feet undersea, scientists find a ghostly predator". Mashable.
  11. Mrigakshi Dixit (11 December 2024). "Atacama Trench's terrifying new resident survives at extreme 25,900 feet". Interesting Engineering.
  12. Divya Dhingra (17 December 2024). "Scientists Discover Alien-Like Predator in the Ocean's Depths, Call It 'Darkness'". The Tech Outlook.
  13. "Scientists discover new 'miniature' predator on seabed". WSN. 22 December 2024.
  14. "Scientists caught unknown marine predator". RBC Ukraine. 13 December 2024.
  15. Maya Edwards (15 December 2024). "Unbelievable Deep-Sea Discovery! Meet the Alien-Like Predator that Defies Expectations!". www.scimag.news.
  16. Dr. Emma Lee (12 December 2024). "Unveiling Darkness: Alien Predator Found in Ocean Depths Shocks Scientists Worldwide!". Faharas Net.
  17. "Creepy crustacean: Meet the deep sea predator named 'darkness'". Oceanographic Magazine. 12 December 2024.
  18. "Chile's Deep-Sea Discovery: A Predator in the Abyss". Latin American Post. 17 December 2024.
  19. Tommy (10 December 2024). "Newly Discovered Predator Thrives in the World's Most Unforgiving Ocean Depths". Optic Flux.
  20. Russel McLendon (12 December 2024). "Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Predator, Name It 'Darkness'". ScienceAlert.
Taxon identifiers
Dulcibella
Dulcibella camanchaca
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