Monday 14 November 2022 05:29 PM Meet the bizarre ocean creatures discovered living near deep-sea volcanoes in ... trends now

Monday 14 November 2022 05:29 PM Meet the bizarre ocean creatures discovered living near deep-sea volcanoes in ... trends now
Monday 14 November 2022 05:29 PM Meet the bizarre ocean creatures discovered living near deep-sea volcanoes in ... trends now

Monday 14 November 2022 05:29 PM Meet the bizarre ocean creatures discovered living near deep-sea volcanoes in ... trends now

A new world of weird and wonderful creatures has been discovered living near deep sea volcanoes in the Indian Ocean.

Scientists from the Museums Victoria Research Institute returned from a 35-day expedition mapping the seafloor in Australia's remote Cocos (Keeling) Islands Marine Park last week.

During their 6,800 mile (11,000 km) journey, they came face-to-face with a blind eel with gelatinous skin, and a hermaphrodite lizard fish with long sharp teeth.

They also encountered some adorable deep-sea batfishes which resemble dumplings and hobble over the seabed on their arm-like fins.

'We have discovered an amazing number of potentially new species living in this remote marine park,' said Dr Tim O'Hara, the Chief Scientist of the expedition. 

'We are proud that our maps, data and images will be used by Parks Australia to manage the new marine park into the future.'

During their 6,800 mile (11,000 km) journey, the researchers came face-to-face with the Highfin Lizard fish, which possesses an ovotestis with both male and female functional reproductive tissue

During their 6,800 mile (11,000 km) journey, the researchers came face-to-face with the Highfin Lizard fish, which possesses an ovotestis with both male and female functional reproductive tissue

They also encountered some adorable deep-sea batfishes, which resemble dumplings, and hobble over the seabed on their arm-like fins

They also encountered some adorable deep-sea batfishes, which resemble dumplings, and hobble over the seabed on their arm-like fins

The batfish has a tiny 'fishing lure' tucked into their hollow snout that it can wiggle about to attract prey

The batfish has a tiny 'fishing lure' tucked into their hollow snout that it can wiggle about to attract prey 

The 'Investigator' research vessel set off to Australia's Indian Ocean Territories that surround Christmas and Cocos Islands in September to image the vast undersea mountains that are the largest in the country.

This was to complete a research project that began in 2021, and is intended to aid the management and protection of the area after it was established as part of a marine park by the Australian Government in March.

The seamounts there formed as giant volcanoes between 50 and 140 million years ago, before they gradually sank into the light oceanic seafloor.

Over time, these became covered in skeletons and shells of ancient creatures and were compressed into limestone, before some were uplifted out of the water again by immense ocean forces.

The flat-topped sea mountains also now contain networks of marine and terrestrial caves and canyons where an ecosystem of brilliant sea organisms thrive.

As part of the expedition, the researchers also wanted to take samples of some of these deep-sea creatures for study and exhibition, some of which were taken as deep as three miles (five km) below the surface.

The researchers found an extraordinary Sloane’s Viperfish that has light organs across their underside and upper fin

The researchers found an extraordinary Sloane's Viperfish that has light organs across their underside and upper fin 

The Sloane's Viperfish has teeth that are so large they are visible even when its mouth its closed

The Sloane's Viperfish has teeth that are so large they are visible even when its mouth its closed

A previously-unknown blind eel that is covered in a loose, transparent skin and gives birth to live young as opposed to eggs

A previously-unknown blind eel that is covered in a loose, transparent skin and gives birth to live young as opposed to eggs 

A Tribute Spiderfish was also picked up, which stands on its stilt-like lower fins to reach its mouth into higher currents and catch small prawns drifting by

A Tribute Spiderfish was also picked up, which stands on its stilt-like lower fins to reach its mouth into higher currents and catch small prawns drifting by

The animals and plants that call the seamounts their home have migrated great distances to get there, having been assisted by strong currents flowing from the Pacific Ocean east and Indian Ocean northwest. 

Only a few survive this long journey, and the species that have done originate from one of these oceans, or are a hybrid of the two. 

This includes the previously-unknown blind eel that is covered in a loose, transparent skin and gives birth to live young as opposed to eggs.

The Pelican Eel, on the other hand, has velvety black skin and a glowing organ on the tip of its tale to lure in its prey.

While its head may be tiny, this eel has a massive, expandable stomach capable of devouring larger food items.

A Tribute Spiderfish was also picked up, which stands on its stilt-like lower fins to reach its mouth into higher currents and catch small prawns drifting by.

Another fish discovered and named after another animal is the Highfin Lizard fish, which possesses an ovotestis with both male and female functional reproductive tissue.

A flatfish from the order Pleuronectiformes

A flatfish from the order Pleuronectiformes

A flatfish from the order Pleuronectiformes, which have both their eyes on one side of their head to retain vision while lying camouflaged on the seabed 

The 'Investigator' research vessel set off to Australia’s Indian Ocean Territories that surround Christmas and Cocos Islands in September to image the vast undersea mountains that are the largest in the country. Pictured: Conger eel

The 'Investigator'

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