A team of researchers from the University of Washington has discovered a new species of fish capable of diving to more than 26,000 feet deep , to about 8,000 meters. Its name is Pseudoliparis swirei or Mariana Snail , and it has been detected along the Mariana Trench, near Guam Island (Oceania).
But what do these fish look like?
On the surface, it does not seem possible that these unknown creatures survive the difficulties and dangers of the ocean floor. However, it is precisely thanks to their physiognomy that they can survive. Rather than large, sharp teeth and a menacing presence like that of a shark, Mariana snails are small, translucent, and scaleless . This is, in short, what allows them to roam where virtually no other species can .
The lead author of the project, Mackenzie Gerringer , says they have been surprised by the successful development of this species, since ” Pseudoliparis swirei do not look very robust or strong to live in such an extreme environment.”
In fact, the highest concentration of marine life is found in the area between the surface and a depth no greater than 1,000 meters . The further we get out of this range, the more peculiar and inexplicable the way of life in the nether world is.
The great darkness , low temperatures or strong pressures are some of the challenges that creatures like the Mariana snail have to adapt to. The animals that live here adapt their physical conditions to these environments and develop qualities such as bioluminescence or night vision. But without a doubt, the factor with the greatest impact on them is the absence of sunlight since, without it, photosynthesis is not possible and therefore, it forces them to look for other natural means that create energy and also food.
Their way of life is characterized by group living and a diet based on shrimp and tiny crustaceans that they capture by sucking through their mouths to swallow their prey.
These snails can be found at different sea depths around the world. Nonetheless, it could be said that they have become the kings of the Mariana Trench, the world’s deepest stretch of ocean that lies in the western Pacific Ocean.
Since 2014, researchers have collected up to 37 snail specimens at depths ranging from 6,900 meters (about 22,600 feet) to 8,000 meters (about 26,200 feet). After DNA analysis and a three-dimensional scan of their skeletal and tissue structure, it was verified that they were facing a type of fish never seen before. Therefore, Gerringer assures that they are very happy to give an official name to this new species.
A whole world to discover
At the moment, the Mariana snail remains a true mystery . Many questions remain to be resolved, for example, how these fish can live under such intense pressure, comparable to that which an elephant would exert on a human finger .
These fish have adapted to such extreme depths that they are free from predators . In addition, the funnel shape of the Marinas Trench allows large amounts of food to be collected.
From the first explorations, other research teams follow in the footsteps of Mackenzie Gerringer’s team. In fact, in Japan, images of fish have been recorded swimming at depths of 8,178 meters (about 26,830 feet), the deepest sighting yet .
Gerringer emphasizes that “there are many surprises waiting. It is amazing to see what lives there. We think it is a hostile environment because it is extreme for us, but there is a whole group of organisms that are very happy down there “
Photo: Mackenzie Gerringer / University of Washington
