المحيط يفاجئ العالم.. اكتشاف 30 نوعاً من الوحوش البحرية

Ocean scientists have confirmed the discovery of 30 new species of marine organisms in the depths of the Southern Ocean, including a fleshy sponge known as the "ball of death," which is considered one of the strangest natural monsters observed in its harsh environments.

This announcement came based on an exploratory mission conducted earlier this year, during which researchers collected nearly 2,000 samples from 14 animal groups, confirming that this icy ocean still holds over 70% of undiscovered secrets, according to a report published by the American network "ABC News."

The exploratory mission was conducted in collaboration between the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census and the Schmidt Ocean Institute, using the research vessel "RV Falkor (too)," with the journey focusing on the South Sandwich Islands and areas surrounded by volcanoes and hydrothermal vents.

According to the exploratory mission, these areas represent harsh environments that make access a tremendous challenge, but advanced technology such as detailed seabed mapping and high-resolution imaging allowed for the collection of unprecedented samples.

Among the notable discoveries is the "fleshy sponge," known as the "ball of death," which forms a spherical ball covered with fine spines to catch its prey, unlike most sponges that rely on passive filtration. The discoveries also included a shiny armored worm named "Yolagiska sp. nov," three species of "starfish," and "crustaceans such as isopods and amphipods," rare snails and "sea cucumbers" adapted to volcanic environments, and "potentially new black coral."

The exploratory mission also observed the "zombie worm," scientifically known as "Osedax sp," which relies on bacteria that feed on the fats of whale bones and is rarely seen due to its extreme depth, along with the first confirmed sighting of a small giant octopus.

These discoveries represent a significant step in understanding marine biodiversity, as they demonstrate how organisms adapt to the immense pressure and eternal darkness of the Southern Ocean depths.

Jotiika Vermani, the executive director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, stated: "The shared goal with Ocean Census to accelerate discoveries has led to the first confirmed sighting of a small giant octopus and new species, showing what becomes possible when technology, marine time, and the global scientific network collaborate."

For her part, Michelle Taylor, head of science at the Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, explained that less than 30% of the collected samples have been assessed, so the confirmation of 30 new species shows the extent of undocumented diversity.