New Species from the Deep Ocean
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We still know very little about the living beings that inhabit the ocean waters surrounding our planet. It is estimated that more than 80% of the oceans has not yet been mapped or explored; therefore, every new discovery adds a building block to our limited ocean knowledge. In this context, thanks to a 2019 expedition, it was possible to identify three new species of snailfish.
Snailfish, family Liparidae (Cottoidei), live in temperate to cold habitats across all ocean basins, playing very important roles in ecosystems. Their common name comes from the fact that most of them have a specialized ventral suction disc used to cling to rocks; when this happens, the animal adopts a curled posture, much like land snails. These animals are found both in shallow waters and in trenches exceeding 8,000 m in depth—areas that are difficult to explore.
The specimens collected in 2019 live at depths between 3,268 and 4,119 m in the eastern Pacific, and their identification was made possible through tissue collection, DNA amplification and sequencing, microscopy, and micro–computed tomography. Phylogenetic—evolutionary—analyses made it possible to compare their genetic data with those of other species and to confirm that they are three new species.
The first is Careproctus colliculi: pink in life, it has 22 pectoral-fin rays, a rounded head, 8 caudal rays, large eyes, and well-developed pterygiophores—bones or cartilages that articulate the base of the median fin rays—forming a large suction disc. Its scientific name refers to the small characteristic bumps (from Greek) that cover the skin, especially the head and the front of the fish.
The second species, C. yanceyi, has a moderate ventral suction disc (<3% of standard length), single nostrils, and 6 branchiostegal rays. It has an entirely black body, rounded head, and horizontal mouth. The species is dedicated to Dr. Paul Yancey, of Whitman College, USA, for his contribution to deep-sea biology.
The third species is Paraliparis em, with a long, black, laterally compressed body. It lacks a suction disc, has a single pectoral-fin ray, an anteriorly positioned anus, and a strongly angled jaw. The species is named after the collection site, Station M, paying tribute to all the researchers who have worked there.
These discoveries help to fill gaps in abyssal sampling and remind us of the importance of integrating observations, morphology, and genetics to understand marine biodiversity.
See You Soon and Good Science!
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Pic by MBARI e American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists
