Researchers have announced the discovery of two new species from the depths of the ocean off the coast of Western Australia: the West Australian Lanternshark and a new species of porcelain crab. The RV Investigator’s first research voyage in early 2022 yielded invaluable specimens. These studies and their implications for ocean conservation have significantly contributed to the scientific baseline upon which marine biodiversity in the region is understood.
The West Australian Lanternshark, Etmopterus westraliensis, represents an exciting expansion of the family of deep-sea lanternsharks. This is the longest species of the genus, possibly reaching a maximum length of 407 mm. In addition, its large eyes improve visibility in the dimly lit and dark waters that it calls home. The species’ name is an honorific reference to both residence and ethnicity of its native home. With all the difficulties on board, the researchers still collected six specimens over that voyage. This valuable data will greatly support their investigation of fish stocks in this area.
Discovery of the West Australian Lanternshark
The West Australian Lanternshark shows off a number of other fascinating features as well. Among them is its bioluminescence. These sharks are thought to have photophores on their belly and flanks that create light. This feature goes a long way towards explaining their undeserved reputation as pestering non-valuable fish. It counterintuitively affects perhaps their most amazing secret—how they thrive in the dark sea’s depths.
Dr. Will White, an ichthyologist with the CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection, who helped make the discovery, called it significant.
“Lanternsharks are an amazing group of sharks, and this new species was found at depths to 610 meters during biodiversity surveys for Parks Australia in the Gascoyne Marine Park area off Western Australia,” – Dr. Will White.
The identification of this new species further continues the growing list of marine life observed from the 2022 expedition. Scientists estimate that at least twice as many species still remain to be found. Estimates indicate that as many as 600 new species might dominate in this relatively shallow but still underexplored region.
Introduction of a New Crab Species
Along with the lanternshark, scientists found a new species of porcelain crab, about 15 millimeters in size. This small crab is noted for its opalescent white-yellow coloration and lives symbiotically with sea pens, a type of soft coral.
Dr. Andrew Hosie, Curator of Aquatic Zoology from the Western Australian Museum, described the unusual lifestyle of this crab.
“The new species of porcelain crab lives a symbiotic life with sea pens, which are a group of soft corals related to sea fans, where they will hide among the ‘leaves’ of the host,” – Dr. Andrew Hosie.
Research shows this newly discovered crab species participates in a feeding method completely different from common crabs. That’s right, porcelain crabs don’t use their claws to catch their food. Instead, they strain feed on plankton through their highly modified mouthparts, which are covered in long setaceous structures for the purpose.
“Porcelain crabs are known as filter feeders, feeding on plankton by using modified mouthparts with long hairs to sweep the water for small pieces of food such as plankton, rather than the typical crab method of grabbing and pinching food with their claws,” – Dr. Andrew Hosie.
The Significance of the 2022 Research Voyage
Most importantly, the RV Investigator’s 2022 voyage was essential to bringing in the specimens that made these discoveries possible. On this one expedition alone, researchers have identified almost 20 new species. This addition flaunts the splendid richness and diversity of marine life along Western Australia’s elongated coastline.
The voyage has provided researchers with unprecedented, game-changing insights into the marvels of oceanic biodiversity. It serves to emphasize the need for more exploration and conservation efforts in our marine environments. We expect this historic expedition will discover firsts that are hugely important to advancing scientific understanding. In the long run, it will do a much better job of promoting these irreplaceable ecosystems.
“What has four claws and is excited to be a species that’s new to science? This little porcelain crab, of course.” – CSIRO-Cindy Bessey.
The voyage has provided researchers with invaluable insights into oceanic biodiversity, emphasizing the urgent need for further exploration and conservation efforts in marine environments. The discoveries made during this expedition will not only enhance scientific knowledge but also highlight the significance of protecting such unique ecosystems.