Researchers from the United States and Chile have announced the discovery of a new species of crustacean in the Atacama Trench, located off the west coast of South America. Dulcibella camanchaca and nicknamed “Darkness,” this unique creature is a predatory amphipod, the first of its kind identified at extreme depths of up to 26,000 feet (7,902 meters).
Species Characteristics
Dulcibella camanchaca stands out not only for being a new species, but also for representing a newly discovered genus. Measuring less than 4 centimeters, the amphipod is more than twice the size of similar species, such as Dorotea and Cleonardo. Its active and predatory behavior sets it apart from other amphipods found at these depths, which are generally scavengers. With specialized appendages called gnathopods, it hunts and feeds on smaller amphipods.
Ecological and Scientific Importance
The discovery highlights the unique biodiversity of the Atacama Trench, considered a hotspot for endemic species. According to Johanna Weston, a hadal ecologist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, the genetic and morphological data confirm the uniqueness of this species, emphasizing the need for further studies in the region. In addition, extreme habitats like this one can offer valuable insights for research into marine ecology and even the search for alien life in similar environments, such as the oceanic moons Europa and Enceladus.
Research Methods
The specimens were collected during an expedition in 2023, part of the Chilean Integrated Deep Ocean Observing System. An unmanned vehicle equipped with traps was used to reach the hadal zone. Data analysis and confirmation of the species as a new genus were carried out by a collaborative team led by the University of Concepción and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Future Implications
Dulcibella camanchaca represents more than an isolated discovery. As Carolina González, an oceanographer at the University of Concepción, explains, “this discovery highlights the importance of continued exploration of the deep ocean, especially in the understudied regions of Chile.” Published in the journal Systematics and Biodiversity, the study reinforces the potential for new scientific insights in one of the most inhospitable and unknown environments on Earth.
