NEED TO KNOW
-
New Discoveries: Researchers have identified over 50 new marine life species in the southern Atlantic Ocean.
-
Discovery Location: These species were found in submarine canyons off the coast of Argentina during a two-week international workshop in 2025.
-
Highlight Species: One notable discovery is “Loki the Sea Cucumber,” found 8,454 feet deep, named for its hornlike appendages reminiscent of a Marvel character.
In 2025, scientists discovered 57 new marine life species in the southern Atlantic Ocean during an international workshop led by the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census in collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. This intensive research effort gathered 20 taxonomists and early-career researchers from Latin America and Europe.
Among the key findings was “Loki the Sea Cucumber,” named for its distinct horns that mimic those of the Norse god, inspiration for a Marvel character. This striking echinoderm adds to the diversity of sea cucumbers and other marine invertebrates identified during the workshop.
The research team documented:
- 20 new species of copepods (small saltwater crustaceans)
- 22 echinoderms (including sea cucumbers and crinoids)
- 14 cnidarians (such as octocorals, sea pens, and stony corals)
- 1 scaphopod mollusc
Dr. Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at Ocean Census, emphasized the rapid progress of collaborative taxonomy in uncovering the mysteries of deep-sea ecosystems. The findings underscore the potential for future exploration, with plans to return in 2027 for further studies in different submarine canyons.
Upcoming Explorations
In early 2026, researchers will return to collect additional samples of marine invertebrates, potentially leading to the discovery of more new species.
For more details, read the original article on People.
