The deep sea is known for its bizarre creatures, and one in particular has puzzled marine researchers for years. Scientists have finally uncovered the mystery of a creature that lurks 2,614 meters deep off the coast of California, USA.
For 24 years, researchers believed the mysterious creature was a mollusk due to its snail-like features. However, its unusual finger-like projections and flattened tail, along with its shiny body, indicated otherwise. It has now been confirmed that this creature is actually a nudibranch, specifically Bathydevius caudactylus.
This nudibranch is unlike others of its kind, as it resides in the ocean’s midnight zone, where total darkness prevails below 1 km depth. Dr. Bruce Robison, a senior scientist at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), led the research and emphasized the importance of understanding deep-sea habitats.
To identify the creature, scientists used remotely operated vehicles to capture 150 sightings, revealing its unique features and bioluminescent abilities. The glowing slug can confuse predators by hiding its organs and detaching its glowing parts from its body.
“The discovery of these unique deep-sea creatures highlights the importance of technology in cataloging this vast environment,” said Dr. Steven Haddock, another senior scientist at MBARI. “Understanding deep-sea communities is crucial for ocean management decisions.”
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Source: www.sciencefocus.com
