Meet the Charming New Deep-Sea Fish That Just Swam Into View!

Surviving in the ocean’s deepest trenches is no small feat. Creatures like the bumpy snailfish show that life can thrive in extreme conditions. Marine biologist Mackenzie Gerringer from SUNY Geneseo highlights that this new snailfish is quite appealing, countering the idea that all deep-sea animals are monstrous.

Recently discovered off California at depths exceeding 10,000 feet, the bumpy snailfish is part of a trio uncovered during a Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute expedition. Gerringer and her team shared their findings in the journal *Ichthyology & Herpetology* this past August.

The deep sea makes up over 80% of our ocean floor, hosting unique habitats that connect all ocean layers. Snailfish are versatile, found everywhere from tide pools to the deep sea. The Mariana snailfish holds the record, living over 27,000 feet below the surface. With around 450 species, many were identified in the last two decades, each showcasing extraordinary adaptations. They usually have scaleless bodies and a unique disc on their bellies, allowing them to cling to rocks and other fish.

It’s fascinating that such delicate-looking creatures can survive severe conditions. Gerringer described the pressures found in these trenches as over 15,000 pounds per square inch. Plus, the water temperature there is colder than most refrigerators.

What’s intriguing is how these snailfish can show differences depending on their living conditions. James Orr, a fisheries biologist at the University of Washington, noted that comparing species from the surface with closely related trench species reveals amazing adaptive capabilities. He stated that the discovery of new snailfish species is impressive and adds depth to our understanding of ocean life.

During a 2019 expedition, researchers collected the snailfishes using the human-occupied vehicle *Alvin* and a remotely operated vehicle, *Doc Ricketts.* Each of the three samples was found deeper than 10,000 feet. By analyzing their genetics and characteristics, scientists confirmed they were all new species. One of these, the bumpy snailfish, is the size of a human hand with a round head, big eyes, and distinctive pink coloring.

Deep ocean ecologist Johanna Weston, who was not part of this study, describes snailfish as sociable. Their colors can range from blue to pink to purple, often giving them a cheerful appearance. They stand in stark contrast to the grimmer-looking anglerfish, a more common deep-sea icon. “Our planet is largely deep ocean,” she noted, emphasizing the importance of understanding these creatures and appreciating their beauty.

Although the deep sea may appear “dark and scary,” Weston believes the snailfish enjoy their lives. They often exhibit behaviors that suggest a thriving ecosystem, reminding us of the incredible adaptability and charm of life in these remote parts of our planet.

Understanding these species is critical, especially as research reveals more about our oceans. The advancements in marine exploration could reshape our view of what lies beneath the waves, turning our fascination with the deep sea into a deeper understanding of its precious ecosystems.

For more information on deep-sea exploration, refer to the latest findings from the Oceanic Institute [here](https://oceanicinstitute.org/deep-sea-research).

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