Scientists Capture Record-Breaking Fish on Japan's Seabed, Sheds Light on Ocean's Deepest Depths.
A team of researchers from the University of Western Australia and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology has made history by capturing footage of a deep-sea fish that holds the record for the deepest ever recorded fish, reaching an astonishing 8,336 meters below the surface.
During a two-month survey last year, three "landers" - automatic sea robots fitted with high-resolution cameras - were deployed into the Japan, Izu-Ogasawara and Ryukyu trenches at varying depths. The footage showed a young snailfish hovering calmly alongside other crustaceans on the seabed.
The discovery is significant because it not only provides insights into how deep these fish can dive but also highlights their ability to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. According to marine biologist Alan Jamieson, who led the expedition, this discovery shows that a particular type of fish will descend as far down as possible to avoid predators.
The two snailfish caught during the survey were identified as Pseudoliparis belyaevi and have unique features that enable them to survive in such extreme environments. These include tiny eyes, translucent bodies, and a lack of swim bladder, which is essential for other fish but works against these deep-sea dwellers.
The Pacific Ocean is particularly conducive to vibrant activity due to its warm southern current, encouraging sea creatures to venture deeper, while the abundant marine life provides a good source of food for bottom feeders.
While scientists are eager to learn more about creatures living at extreme depths, funding remains a significant constraint. According to Jamieson, each lander alone costs $200,000 to assemble and operate, making it challenging to fund further research.
This remarkable discovery not only sheds light on the deepest parts of our ocean but also highlights the importance of continued exploration and research into these uncharted territories.
A team of researchers from the University of Western Australia and Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology has made history by capturing footage of a deep-sea fish that holds the record for the deepest ever recorded fish, reaching an astonishing 8,336 meters below the surface.
During a two-month survey last year, three "landers" - automatic sea robots fitted with high-resolution cameras - were deployed into the Japan, Izu-Ogasawara and Ryukyu trenches at varying depths. The footage showed a young snailfish hovering calmly alongside other crustaceans on the seabed.
The discovery is significant because it not only provides insights into how deep these fish can dive but also highlights their ability to thrive in some of the most extreme environments on the planet. According to marine biologist Alan Jamieson, who led the expedition, this discovery shows that a particular type of fish will descend as far down as possible to avoid predators.
The two snailfish caught during the survey were identified as Pseudoliparis belyaevi and have unique features that enable them to survive in such extreme environments. These include tiny eyes, translucent bodies, and a lack of swim bladder, which is essential for other fish but works against these deep-sea dwellers.
The Pacific Ocean is particularly conducive to vibrant activity due to its warm southern current, encouraging sea creatures to venture deeper, while the abundant marine life provides a good source of food for bottom feeders.
While scientists are eager to learn more about creatures living at extreme depths, funding remains a significant constraint. According to Jamieson, each lander alone costs $200,000 to assemble and operate, making it challenging to fund further research.
This remarkable discovery not only sheds light on the deepest parts of our ocean but also highlights the importance of continued exploration and research into these uncharted territories.
that's like, way deeper than most planes fly! i mean, imagine being able to see stuff from down there... its crazy how much we still dont know about our oceans and the creatures that call them home. but yeah, funding is a big issue for these kinds of research projects - $200k just for one lander? thats like, what a lot of money! 
maybe they can get some more grants or something to keep exploring this stuff...
It's crazy to consider how far humans have ventured into space, but yet our own oceans are still largely unexplored. I'm not saying we should prioritize space exploration over ocean research, but it does make you wonder what other secrets are hiding beneath the surface.
OMG this is soooo cool!!! I cant even believe those fish can dive that deep!! 
I mean, who needs oxygen when you're 8,336 meters below the surface?! 
The fact that scientists are still learning more about these creatures and the extreme environments they live in is just mind-blowing 
And can we talk about how amazing it is to have a team of researchers working together to discover new things like this? 
We need more funding for science projects ASAP so we can keep exploring and learn more about our incredible ocean! 
I guess it's cool that they found another record-breaker and we get to learn more about these tiny monsters. But, like, $200k for one lander? That's a pretty penny... or should I say, a pretty squid ink 
. It's crazy to think about how deep some fish can dive, like, who needs oxygen at 8,336 meters? 
! The more we learn about these creatures, the more I'm like, 'why haven't we explored this stuff sooner?' 
The Pacific Ocean is seriously a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be uncovered 
. But, tbh, $200k per lander is straight up insane 
! I mean, can you even believe they live at 8,336 meters below the surface? That's like, way deeper than a plane flight! 
. And the fact that they can survive in extreme environments without eyes and a swim bladder is wild! But, idk man... don't we need to be worried about funding for these research things? Like, $200,000 for each lander?! That's some serious cash 
they always had that raw, unfiltered feel to 'em you know? these modern subs can capture some crazy footage but it's just not the same as watchin' something on a tiny TV screen in your living room with a bunch of weird-looking fish swimmin' around in the background
and btw have you seen those latest season of Stranger Things? that kid Eleven is like the ultimate hero girl 
I was watching an episode with my fam and we all just lost it laughing 
Scientists are doing some amazing work out there, but funding is a major constraint 
its tiny eyes & translucent body r like, how does it survive lol? 
those fish r basically aliens from another planet 
... I mean, who puts a price tag on exploring the unknown? $200k for one lander? That's crazy talk! It's not like they're selling this info to some secret underwater corporation or something 
. And what's up with these snailfish being able to survive in the dark depths without any eyes? Are we talking mind control or something? 
.