A nightmare deep-sea monster built for “capturing, killing and feasting” has been discovered by scientists deep under the sea. Named by scientists as Dulcibella Camanchaca, the beast was found swimming more than 8,000 metres underwater in the South Pacific Ocean’s Atacama trench. Featuring long slimy appendages on its face it uses to latch on to its prey, the crustacean is the first predator found in the area.
However, despite its fearsome appearance, it is only around 4cm in length. The species was discovered deep under water in an expedition by scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) and Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO). Dr. Carolina González, co-lead author, said: “This study's collaborative effort and integrative approach confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species and highlights ongoing biodiversity discoveries in the Atacama Trench. This finding underlines the importance of continued deep-ocean exploration, particularly in Chile’s front yard. More discoveries are expected as we continue to study the Atacama Trench.”.
A report into the discovery revealed the first specimens of the creature were collected during an expedition to the Atacama Trench on the R/V Abate Molina on October 1 using a free-fall lander built by the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografia (IMO) and Centro de Instrumentación Oceanográfico (CIO). Three fish and invertebrate traps, baited with chicken, were mounted on the lander’s moveable arm, which hinged to the seafloor once the lander landed.
