Researchers previously took first confirmed footage of a juvenile colossal squid in scarcely explored habitat
A carnivorous “death ball” sponge is among 30 previously unknown deep-sea species found by scientists in one of the most remote parts of the planet.
Researchers sampled the depths of the Southern Ocean, including volcanic calderas, the South Sandwich trench and seafloor habitats around Montagu and Saunders islands.
As well as the sponge, the scientists found new armoured and iridescent scale worms, previously unknown species of sea star, new crustaceans including isopods and amphipods, and rare gastropods and bivalves.
Experts are also assessing additional possible new species, among them black corals, and a potential new sea pen genus.
