In a significant breakthrough for marine biology, scientists from around the world have described two new species. They collected these species during a biodiversity expedition in 2022 off the coast of Western Australia. These discoveries—a new type of lanternshark and an unidentified porcelain crab—highlight the rich, unexplored biological diversity of the deep ocean. This discovery comes as researchers get ready for another major exploration in the Coral Sea.
The specimens were collected during a survey led by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on the research vessel RV Investigator. Although the initial collection happened two years ago, a dedicated team of researchers completed the formal description and classification of these intriguing species just last month.
One of the most exciting findings is the new species of lanternshark, found at depths of 610 meters in the Gascoyne Marine Park. Named E. westraliensis, this name indicates its habitat in Western Australia. This small shark has a slender body, large eyes suitable for low-light conditions, and dorsal fins with sharp spines. The largest specimen recorded was only 407 millimeters long.
A key feature of E. westraliensis, like all lanternsharks, is its ability to produce light. Dr. Will White, an ichthyologist at the CSIRO Australian National Fish Collection and an important member of the description team, said, “Lanternsharks are bioluminescent, with light produced by photophores on their belly and sides, which is where they get their common name.” This glow likely helps with camouflage and communication in dark waters. This new description is the third shark species identified from samples taken during the 2022 voyage, following the announcements of the painted hornshark and the ridged-egg catshark in 2023.
In addition to the shark, scientists also identified a new species of porcelain crab. Dr. Andrew Hosie, curator of aquatic zoology at the Western Australian Museum, played an important role in this classification. This small crustacean measures about 15 millimeters and has a striking white-yellow color. This coloring is a crucial adaptation that allows it to blend in with its surroundings.
Dr. Hosie explained the crab’s special lifestyle, saying, “The new species of porcelain crab lives in a symbiotic relationship with sea pens, which are a group of soft corals related to sea fans. They hide among the ‘leaves’ of their host.” He also noted that unlike the typical grabbing and pinching feeding method of most crabs, “Porcelain crabs are filter feeders, using modified mouthparts with long hairs to sweep the water for small food particles like plankton.” This species was found in shallower waters, along the Ningaloo coast at depths up to 122 meters.
These two species are the latest additions to nearly 20 new species already described from the 2022 RV Investigator voyage, including the Carnarvon flapjack octopus announced earlier this year. Researchers estimate that the total collection from that single expedition could uncover up to 600 more species that have not yet received formal descriptions.
The deep sea remains one of Earth’s least explored areas. Therefore, focused biodiversity surveys of these deep habitats are essential for improving our understanding of marine life in the ocean’s depths. The upcoming CSIRO-led expedition to the Coral Sea Marine Park, using the RV Investigator—part of the Marine National Facility funded by the Australian Government and operated by CSIRO—will continue this important work. This voyage will bring together many of the same experienced researchers and new partners, all eager for further significant discoveries that will change our understanding of marine biodiversity.
