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Australian scientists discovered two new marine species: a tiny porcelain crab and a glowing lantern shark
The finds were made during a 2022 deep-sea expedition off Western Australia’s Gascoyne coast in the Gascoyne Marine Park
Researchers say the discoveries reveal how little is known about deep-sea life and biodiversity
Researchers from Australia’s national science agency have identified two previously unknown marine species — a minuscule porcelain crab and a bioluminescent lantern shark — discovered off the Gascoyne coast of Western Australia.
The findings were made during a 2022 deep-sea expedition in the Gascoyne Marine Park aboard CSIRO’s research vessel, the RV Investigator, according to Australian outlet ABC. net.
csiro.au
New porcelain crab species
The porcelain crab, which measures roughly 15 millimeters long, was found living among sea-pen corals at depths of around 120 meters. Small enough to rest on a fingertip, the crab has delicate features and distinct markings around its eyes, which are key identifiers that set it apart from known crab species. The discovery adds to a growing list of marine creatures found in Australia’s deep waters. Much of the deep-sea area of the Gascoyne Marine Park and Australia’s other waters remains undescribed or unseen by science.
The second discovery, a new species of lantern shark, officially named the West Australian Lantern Shark (Etmopterus westraliensis), was retrieved from depths exceeding 600 meters. Measuring around 40 centimeters in length, the shark is notable for its ability to glow in the dark — a trait made possible by photophores along its belly and sides.
Researchers described the species as an “amazing” and rare example of bioluminescence among sharks, offering insights into how deep-sea animals adapt to extreme low-light environments.
csiro.au
New lantern shark species
The two species were among more than 20 potential new organisms documented during the voyage, which explored the biodiversity of the Gascoyne Marine Park. Scientists estimate the expedition could ultimately reveal up to 600 previously unidentified species once specimens are thoroughly analyzed.
Experts explained that the discoveries highlight how little is still known about deep-sea ecosystems and the importance of continued research in these habitats.
Beyond expanding biodiversity records, such findings may also inform conservation efforts and help understand how ocean life responds to climate and environmental shifts.
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Researchers plan to continue their work with upcoming missions to other marine parks across Australia, in hopes of uncovering even more hidden species that call the deep sea home.
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