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Researchers from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) have identified a new species of ctenophore using only HD footage from a deep-sea drone for the first time in history.
The gelatinous marine invertebrate or ‘deep sea scrub’ Duobrachium sparksae was spotted by the Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) Deep Discoverer off the coast of Puerto Rico in 2015 at a depth of 3,900 meters (approximately 2.5 miles downstream).
The deep-sea drone sent scary images of the strange blob-like creature, measuring less than a millimeter in length, to scientists on the surface.
Although the dive took place in 2015, the scientists wanted to be absolutely sure before claiming the discovery of a new species, and they took their time to meticulously sift through footage of the expedition.
Typically, the classification of new species requires lab testing and thorough examination, which is extraordinarily difficult with deep-water spots like D. Sparksae as they don’t last long outside the crushing depths of the ocean.
“We don’t have the same microscopes we would have in a lab, but the video can give us enough information to understand the morphology in detail, such as the location of their reproductive parts and other aspects,” NOAA marine biologist Allen Collins explained.
D. Sparksae boasts a balloon body from which two long tentacles extend which have been observed, in at least one case, anchor the animal to the seabed, maintaining a constant depth, which can facilitate feeding in the murky underwater trench known as Guajataca Canyon.
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“It moved like a hot air balloon attached to the sea floor in two lines, maintaining a specific altitude above the sea floor. Whether it is attached to the bottom of the sea, we’re not sure. We did not observe direct attachment during the dive, but it seems that the organism touches the bottom of the sea “ says oceanographer Mike Ford.
There are between 100 and 150 known species of ctenophores, aka scallop jellies, sea gooseberries, sea nuts, or venus belts. Despite their odd similarity, ctenophores are not related to jellyfish, although they are carnivorous, they feed on small arthropods and larvae found in the depths.
Given the extreme environment this particular sea blob lives in, researchers aren’t sure when they might be able to catch a glimpse of this amazing creature.
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