New species of sea snail Bathydevius caudactylus – GOOD LUCK
MADRID, 12 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) -
The researchers of MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute) have discovered a surprising new species of sea snail that lives in ocean depths down to 4,000 metres.
Bathydevius caudactylus swims through the ocean’s “midnight zone” with a large gelatinous cap and paddle-shaped tail and glows with brilliant bioluminescence. The team published a description of the animal, nicknamed the “mystery mollusk”, in the journal. Deep Sea Research, Part I.
“Thanks to MBARI’s advanced underwater technology, we have been able to prepare the most complete description ever of a deep-sea animal. We have spent more than 20 years understanding the natural history of this fascinating nudibranch species. Our discovery it’s a new piece of the puzzle that can help better understand Earth’s largest habitat,” he said in a statement MBARI senior scientist Bruce Robison, who led the effort to describe the mysterious mollusk.
MBARI researchers They first observed the mysterious mollusk in February 2000 during a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) dive off Monterey Bay to a depth of 2,614 metres. The team gathered extensive information on the natural history of the mysterious mollusk. After reviewing more than 150 MBARI ROV sightings over the past 20 years, they have published a detailed description of this animal.
With a bulky, hooded structure on one side, a flat tail flanked by numerous finger-like protrusions on the other, and colorful internal organs in the center, the team initially had difficulty placing this animal into a group. Since the animal also had a snail-like foot, They nicknamed him the “mysterious mollusk”.
After carefully collecting a sample, MBARI researchers were able to take a closer look at the animal in the laboratory. Through detailed investigations of anatomy and genetics, they began to solve the mystery, and they finally confirmed that this incredible animal is a nudibranch.
Most nudibranchs, also known as sea snails, live on the seabed. Nudibranchs are common in coastal environments, including tide pools, kelp forests, and coral reefs, and a small number of the species are known to live on the abyssal sea floor. Some are pelagic and live in open water near the surface.
The mysterious mollusk is the first known nudibranch to live in deep water. This species lives in the midnight zone of the ocean, a vast open-water environment 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface, also known as the bathypelagic zone.
The mysterious mollusk is now known to live in the Pacific coastal waters of North America and has been seen on MBARI expeditions as far north as Oregon and southern California. NOAA researchers’ observation of a similar-looking animal in the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific suggests that the mystery mollusk may have a wider distribution.
The mysterious mollusk has developed unique solutions to finding food, safety and mates survive in the midnight zone.
While most sea slugs use a rough tongue to feed on prey attached to the seabed, the mysterious mollusk uses a cavernous cap to snare crustaceans like a Venus flytrap. Many other unrelated deep-sea species use this feeding strategy, including some jellyfish, anemones, and tunicates.
Mystery mollusks are often seen in open waters far below the surface and far above the seabed. They move in these waters by flexing their bodies up and down to swim or simply floating motionless following the currents. To avoid being eaten, the mysterious mollusk hides in plain sight with a transparent body. The quick closure of the oral cap facilitates rapid escape, similar to the beating of a jellyfish’s bell.
If it feels threatened, the mysterious mollusk can light up with bioluminescence to deter and distract hungry predators. On one occasion, researchers observed the animal light up and then detach a constantly glowing, finger-like projection from its tail, which likely served as bait to distract a potential predator.
Like other nudibranchs, the mysterious mollusk is hermaphroditic and has male and female sexual organs. The mysterious mollusc appears to descend to the seabed to lay its eggs. MBARI researchers observed this Some animals used their muscular feet to cling to the muddy bottom and release their eggs.
A detailed examination of specific genetic sequences confirmed that the mysterious mollusk is sufficiently unique from other known nudibranchs to merit the creation of a new family, Bathydeviidae.
Interview with Dr. Bruce Robison, Senior Scientist at MBARI: Discovering the Mystery Mollusk
Editor (Time.news): Welcome, Dr. Robison! We’re thrilled to have you with us today to discuss the fascinating discovery of Bathydevius caudactylus, the mysterious mollusk. Can you start by telling us what makes this creature so unique?
Dr. Bruce Robison: Thank you for having me! Bathydevius caudactylus is truly a remarkable find. It’s the first known nudibranch to inhabit the deep waters of the ocean, specifically in the so-called “midnight zone,” between 1,000 to 4,000 meters below the surface. Its bioluminescent properties and distinct anatomical features, like a gelatinous cap and paddle-shaped tail, set it apart from other nudibranchs.
Editor: Bioluminescence sounds intriguing! How does this ability benefit the mollusk in its deep-sea environment?
Dr. Robison: In deep-sea ecosystems, bioluminescence plays several roles. It can help with camouflage, allowing the mollusk to blend in with the dim light filtering down from above, or it can attract mates. Additionally, it may be used to distract predators or lure in prey, which is crucial in the food-scarce environment of the midnight zone.
Editor: Your research team has been observing this mollusk for over 20 years. What was it that first caught your attention about this species back in 2000?
Dr. Robison: During a remotely operated vehicle dive off Monterey Bay, we encountered this intriguing animal. Its unique morphological characteristics puzzled us—it had a bulky structure on one side and a flat tail with finger-like protrusions. We initially struggled to classify it, which prompted us to keep studying it over the years.
Editor: It sounds like a complex investigation! Can you tell us how the team finally classified it as a nudibranch?
Dr. Robison: Absolutely! After gathering extensive observation data and genetic samples, we conducted detailed anatomical analyses in the lab. Our findings confirmed that its body structure aligns with characteristics typical of nudibranchs. So, despite its unique adaptations to the deep sea, it’s a part of that family.
Editor: You mentioned that the mollusk has been spotted as far north as Oregon and as far south as southern California. How does this wide distribution impact our understanding of deep-sea biodiversity?
Dr. Robison: Discovering that Bathydevius caudactylus may inhabit a larger range, including regions like the Mariana Trench, broadens our perspective on deep-sea ecosystems. This suggests that there may be more undiscovered species in similar habitats. It emphasizes the importance of continued exploration and research in the depths of our oceans to better understand their biodiversity and ecological functions.
Editor: It seems like this discovery is only a piece of the puzzle regarding oceanic life. What are the next steps for research in this area?
Dr. Robison: Our next steps involve further exploration using advanced underwater technology to identify additional species and collect more samples. We aim to continue unraveling the mysteries of the midnight zone and understand the adaptations that allow life to thrive under such extreme conditions.
Editor: Dr. Robison, thank you for sharing your insights today. The discovery of Bathydevius caudactylus not only highlights the richness of our oceans but also underscores the need for continued exploration and conservation.
Dr. Robison: Thank you! It’s important for us to understand and protect these unseen ecosystems, as they play a vital role in the health of our planet.