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To learn more about the Atacama Trench, which is among the ocean’s deepest points and lies at a depth of about 7,902 metres (25,928 feet), the group began the expedition.
The new species is named Dulcibella camanchaca. (Representative Image)
Scientists have discovered a new amphipod in the Atacama Trench, an area situated near the coast of the South American continent. This new species is named Dulcibella camanchaca and has drawn comparisons to alien-like features. The finding was made during the 2023 scientific research trip launched by scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in collaboration with the Universidad de Concepción. The term “camanchaca” is locally derived from the Andean language which means “darkness” that perfectly suits the environment of the creature in the deep sea.
The group began the expedition to explore the Atacama Trench, one of the ocean’s deepest points, located at a depth of about 7,902 metres (25,928 feet). They deployed high-tech gear, including remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and special lander systems, and used baits to attract deep-sea organisms.
After several days in this extremely hostile environment, they were able to identify four of the specimens to which the new term Dulcibella camanchaca was later assigned. The specimens were subjected to the needed preparations for further lab tests, whereby it was established that they were both distinct from other amphipods and also genetically different from them.
The length of Dulcibella camanchaca is about 4 centimetres (approx. 1.5 inches) and it is characterized by its white translucent colour. One of the important features of deep-sea life, in areas where there is no light, is the way they become translucent. These organisms have no pigment, thus they appear in the deepest nook of the ocean and blend in with the darkness around them, a form of protection against predators.
Dulcibella camanchaca has specialised raptorial appendages called gnathopods, which it uses to hunt. These gnathopods are essential for its survival in an environment with limited food. The species scavenges by hunting smaller amphipods, making it a top predator in this extreme ecosystem.
The finding of Dulcibella camanchaca deepens the understanding of the biodiversity contained in the hadal zone – a largely unexplored and understudied region. The Atacama Trench is expected to be a hotspot for unique species, highlighting its ecological significance. This discovery is expected to offer insights into its evolutionary adaptations to the harsh conditions of its deep-sea habitat. This amphipod could also help scientists understand how life could look like on other planets, especially on the moons of Jupiter and Saturn where water bodies are reported to exist.
