Discovery Spotlight

Discovered at a depth of 407m on the Nazca Ridge during a Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) expedition, this newly identified squat lobster (Galathea sp.) represents the first recorded occurrence of the genus Galathea in the southeastern Pacific Ocean, near Easter Island. Squat lobsters are an ecologically significant group of crustaceans, often found sheltering within deep-sea coral habitats or crawling along the rocky slopes of seamounts. Their presence in this region provides new insights into the biodiversity of unexplored underwater mountain chains.

Image Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census/Gallardo © 2025

Discovered at a depth of 900m during an expedition surveying vulnerable deep-sea communities in New Zealand, Amigdoscalpellum calicicolum is the latest new species described by taxonomist Andrew Hosie from the Western Australian Museum. This species attaches to the rim of cup corals, which is reflected in its name—calicicolum—meaning “cup dweller.” High-resolution micro-CT imaging has revealed its intricate internal structures, challenging common perceptions of barnacles. This non-invasive imaging technique is revolutionising barnacle taxonomy, allowing researchers to study their complex morphology without destructive dissections.
More Information: While stalked barnacles can attach to a variety of substrates, this species appears to be specifically associated with cup corals. As larvae, the barnacles must navigate past the stinging tentacles of the coral’s polyps to reach and attach to the host’s underlying skeleton—a risky manoeuvre compared to settling on non-living parts of the skeleton. The specimens were oriented toward the mouth of the coral polyp, so I’m wondering how important the association is between coral and barnacle. The coral host will grow around the barnacle. One specimen was partially overgrown, and left an obvious pit and groove on the coral skeleton leading up to the rim of the cup. This indicates that this barnacle settled when the host was much smaller and younger. Hoping for more specimens to be collected to confirm they are symbiotic.

The potential symbiosis with cup corals does set this species apart from many members of the family. The morphological characteristics that can be used to distinguish this species include the robust and compact form of the shell plates, the lack of scales on the front of the stalk (this can be seen in the animation very well)

Image Credit: Andrew Hosie / Western Australian Museum © 2025

This species of sea star thrives in the extreme conditions of the Jotul Hydrothermal Vent Field. Sea stars play a crucial role in deep-sea ecosystems, often acting as scavengers that recycle nutrients and support the deep ocean’s delicate balance. This discovery highlights the importance of continued exploration in the Arctic—one of the least studied marine regions on the planet—as rapid climate change alters its fragile ecosystems.

Image Credit: Martin Hartley / The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census © 2024

A remarkable discovery from the waters of New Caledonia and Vanuatu, this predatory gastropod is one of 100 newly identified turrid gastropods. Equipped with venomous, harpoon-like teeth, these deep-sea snails inject toxins into their prey with precision. Related species have already contributed to groundbreaking medical advancements, including chronic pain treatments, and hold promising potential for cancer therapies.

Image Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Peter Stahlschmidt © 2025

Discovered at a depth of 3,053m in the Jotul Vent Field of the Norwegian-Greenland Sea, this deep-sea limpet (Cocculina sp.) is expanding scientific knowledge of the Arctic Ocean—Earth’s least documented and least biodiverse ocean. These limpets thrive in extreme environments, from near-freezing waters to areas just metres away from hydrothermal vent fluids exceeding 300°C. Remarkably, they incorporate iron sulfides into their shells, forming a natural metal armor that provides protection against predators and withstands the immense pressure of the deep sea.

Image Credit: Martin Hartley / The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census © 2024

Discovered along the coasts of Mozambique and Tanzania, this newly identified guitar shark belongs to a distinctive group of animals that share characteristics of both sharks and rays. It is only the 38th known species of its kind. The guitar shark family (Rhinobatidae) is among the top 10 most threatened vertebrate groups, with two-thirds of its species classified as Threatened. As apex predators, sharks and rays play a critical role in maintaining the balance of marine ecosystems, and their decline can significantly disrupt the ocean’s complex food web.

Image Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Sergey Bogorodsky © 2025

Discovered off the tropical Indian Ocean coast of South Africa, this 4 cm-long pygmy pipehorse marks the first instance of this genus being found anywhere in Africa. Until now, this genus was known exclusively from the cool waters of New Zealand. These diminutive pipehorses are masters of camouflage, remaining elusive as they inhabit coral reefs and blend seamlessly into their surroundings. Many members of the family Syngnathidae—which also includes seahorses, seadragons, and pipefish—are classified as Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat destruction, bycatch, and targeted fishing. Its intricate coloration pattern and specialised body structures enable it to blend seamlessly into the coral reef environment, while its prehensile tail facilitates effective anchorage in complex reef habitats.

Image Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Richard Smith © 2025

This newly identified mollusc, Granulina nekton, was collected at a depth of 48m off Tenerife during the first Ocean Census expedition in 2023. From collection to publication, its description took just 48 hours—a remarkable contrast to the global average of 13.5 years. This discovery highlights how expert taxonomists, equipped with modern techniques, can significantly accelerate the process of species identification.

Image Credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Jesús Ortea, Leopoldo Moro © 2025

Discovered during Nekton’s First Descent Mission in the Maldives – there are only 5 known species of this genus. Additionally, this is the first record genus from the Maldives. Octocorals provide essential habitat for marine life and play a key role in reef stability and nutrient cycling. The deep-sea ecosystems of the Maldives are poorly explored. While the Maldives is well-known for its shallow coral reefs, atolls, and tropical marine biodiversity, its deep-sea and mesophotic ecosystems remain largely unstudied.

The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Asako Matsumoto, Shaaan © 2025

Discovered at 2,762m in the Bounty Trough during the first Ocean Census expedition in the Pacific, this rare eelpout fish is one of three new species identified in partnership with the National Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa and the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research (NIWA). Only eight species of eelpout have been recorded in New Zealand, five of which appear to be endemic. As they tend to live deep, escape from nets, and have limited ranges, there are likely to be many more species than we currently know. Despite their eel-like bodies, eelpouts are more closely related to gurnards and scorpionfishes than true eels.

Image credit: The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census / Linley Te Papa ©Ocean Census 2025