Scientists have unveiled 30 new deep-sea species from the Southern Ocean, including a fierce carnivorous sponge dubbed the ‘death-ball’. The Nippon FoundationāNekton Ocean Census and collaborators made these groundbreaking discoveries during two 2025 research expeditions with the Schmidt Ocean Institute. These species were found in one of the Earth’s most remote and unexplored marine environments, east of Montagu Island.
Remarkable Deep-Sea Discoveries
The carnivorous ‘death-ball’ sponge stands out for its unique feeding mechanism. Unlike most sponges that filter plankton from the water, this species traps small sea creatures, making it a rare predator in the deep sea. Researchers used the remote-operated vehicle (ROV) SuBastian to explore depths of up to 3,601 meters, documenting these never-before-seen organisms.
Expanding Our Understanding of Ocean Life
The new species offer valuable insights into the biodiversity of the Southern Ocean. These findings highlight the incredible variety of life that thrives in extreme environments. The international team hopes these discoveries will help protect fragile deep-sea ecosystems and inspire more research into the mysteries of our oceans.
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