Scientists Discover New Deep-Sea Mystery Mollusc After Two Decades Of Research
The mystery mollusc was initially spotted in February 2000 while using the ROV named Tiburon in a research mission.
Researchers from the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have a new species of sea slug called Bathydevius Caudactylus, more popularly called the mystery mollusc. The species is about the size of an apple and is found in deep-sea environments between a depth of 1000-4000 meters. The discovery was published in the journal Deep-Sea Research, culminating over two decades of research.
The researchers watched past mystery mollusc sightings and, with the help of MBARI’s remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), observed them and took samples. They officially declared it as a nudibranch, the only species known to dwell in such depths.
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“Anatomy, diet, behaviour, bioluminescence, and habitat distinguish this surprising nudibranch from all previously described species, and genetic evidence supports its placement in a new family," the MBARI research team declared.
The mystery mollusc was initially spotted in February 2000 while using the ROV named Tiburon in a research mission. Researchers Bruce Robison and Steven Haddock led the first trips off central California’s Monterey Bay. More than 150 cases of this species’ presence have been recorded by researchers in the course of the years. This nudibranch is characterised by its gelatinous hood, a paddle-like tail and internal organs that are bioluminescent and visible through the organism’s translucent skin.
Interestingly, this putative species was found to possess enough differences genetically from other nudibranchs to justify its inclusion in a new family, the Bathydeviidae.
Unique Features
Bioluminescence: Bioillumination, the ability to produce light in dark domains, is characteristic of Bathydevius caudactylus. This is not only used as a defence mechanism against predators but also helps in its method of feeding.
Feeding Mechanism: Different from other nudibranchs that feed from the bottom of the ocean, this type of sea slug uses a large hood as a trap for crustaceans in the same way the Venus flytrap does.
Physical Appearance: The mollusc’s shape is unique, including a hood on one end and a flat tail with finger-like projections on the other end. This kind of morphology was at first a source of confusion for scientists regarding the categorization of animals in marine life.
“We’ve invested more than 20 years in understanding the natural history of this fascinating species of nudibranch. Our discovery is a new piece of the puzzle that can help better understand the largest habitat on Earth," noted Robinson.
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