New predatory crustacean discovered in ocean's darkest depths

In the waters of the Atacama Trench, at a depth of exactly 25,918 feet, scientists discovered a completely new species of predator that surprised them with its presence in this unique ecosystem. The newly discovered species, named Dulcibella camanchaca, was caught during an expedition in 2023. The name comes from a word meaning “darkness” in Andean languages, aptly reflecting its habitat in the darkest depths of the ocean.

The discovery was described in the scientific journal “Systematics and Biodiversity.” Scientists were not expecting this at all—during the research expedition, they used various chicken meat baits, as they were expecting to find scavengers, not a large predatory crustacean. Unexpectedly, Dulcibella camanchaca got caught in the net. Despite lacking eyes, it is perfectly adapted to life in the extreme deep-sea conditions, where there is immense pressure and limited visibility. Its sleek and agile body and strong front limbs resembling pincers allow it to effectively prey on smaller victims.

This discovery marks an important step in understanding the ecosystem of the Atacama Trench, where organisms must adapt to the extreme conditions of depth, pressure, and darkness. Dulcibella camanchaca exemplifies the diversity and adaptive capabilities of crustaceans, which can be found in various aquatic environments, from streams to the deepest parts of the ocean.

Johanna Weston, the lead author of the study from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, pointed out that using chicken as bait, rather than something like mackerel, might have specifically attracted the Dulcibella camanchaca species. However, it may be that the location, depth, and timing were more significant than the type of bait. She also noted that this area of the trench had not been studied before, suggesting it may be crucial for the presence of the new species. Despite finding several individuals, the exact reasons for its occurrence remain a mystery.

Creatures adapted to life under extreme pressure and darkness provide rich material for research. According to researchers, discovering such a large predator, previously undocumented in the Atacama Trench, signifies progress in understanding this remarkable ecosystem. Scientists are fascinated by the ways different species adapt to Earth’s extreme conditions. Johanna Weston emphasized that amphipods are diverse and occur in many environments, from streams to deep oceans. Surprisingly, despite environmental differences, they share many morphological features.

Scientists from the Millennium Institute of Oceanography (IMO) hope to discover more new species during the planned expedition in October 2025. The DeepZoo project, in which the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution participates, aims to further explore sea-floor biodiversity, potentially leading to more fascinating discoveries in the coming years.