- Feb 5, 2002
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More than 100 new species of alien-looking marine life have been discovered living near huge underwater mountains off the coast of Chile.
An international team of scientists visited previously unexplored sea mountains—towering at up to 3,530 meters—and found dozens of never-before-seen species, including deep-sea corals, sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, and squat lobsters.
Led by the Schmidt Ocean Institute, the team used a remote-controlled underwater robot to explore the marine life at seafloor depths of up to 4,500 meters deep.
The international research team found that each seamount played host to a vast array of distinct ecosystems, many of which were identified as vulnerable.
These included thriving, deep-sea coral reefs and sponge gardens as well as brightly-colored and mysterious species of fish, lobster and amphipods likely never before seen by human eyes.
“You always expect to find new species in these remote and poorly explored areas, but the amount we found, especially for some groups like sponges, is mind-blowing,” said Dr. Javier Sellanes, of northern Chile’s Universidad Católica del Norte. “We far exceeded our hopes.”
Continued below.
More Than 100 New Species of Stunning Marine Life Found Near Underwater Mountains (LOOK)
More than 100 new species of alien-looking marine life have been discovered living near huge underwater mountains off the coast of Chile.
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