An Australian scientific expedition has revealed an impressive collection of marine species that have never been described, and this discovery highlights the rich but often hidden biodiversity of the nation’s deep-sea environments. Among the most intriguing finds are a semi-transparent porcelain crab and a small, bioluminescent lantern shark. Both were discovered during a 2022 research voyage off the coast of Western Australia.
Scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) conducted the research. Their vessel explored the depths of Gascoyne Marine Park, located about 20 kilometres from the Western Australian coastline. This area is vital to Australia’s reputation as a global biodiversity hotspot. The country is home to more than a million distinct species, many of which are found nowhere else. Despite this incredible biological wealth, large parts of Australia’s ocean, like much of the world’s deep sea, remain largely unexplored, leaving many plants and animals unknown to science.
The newly documented West Australian Lantern Shark (Etmopterus sp.) is one of the hundreds of specimens collected during the 2022 survey. This deep-sea shark can reach a maximum length of about 40 centimetres and was found at depths greater than 600 metres below the ocean surface. A striking characteristic of this species is its large eyes and a belly that glows internally.
Dr Will White, a fish scientist involved in the research, explained this unique feature: “Lantern sharks are naturally bioluminescent. They have photophores—special organs that produce light—located on their belly and sides. This trait is the reason for their common name.” The controlled light they emit is believed to have several ecological purposes, such as providing camouflage, attracting mates, or luring prey in the dark depths of the ocean.
Dr Andrew Hosie, curator of aquatic zoology at the Western Australian Museum, shared many details about this behaviour: “Porcelain crabs are filter feeders. It can be mentioned that unlike typical crabs that use their claws to catch and crush food, they have modified mouthparts with long, fine hairs, and these adaptations help them efficiently gather tiny food particles, mainly plankton, from the water.” The crab’s small size and semi-transparency likely help it blend into its deep-water habitat.
The 2022 voyage has directly led to the formal description of about 20 new species so far. This includes the charming Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus ($Opisthoteuthis sp.), a reddish-brown cephalopod with a mantle that measures about 4 centimetres across. The new species are only a fraction of the total discoveries. Researchers estimate that they still need to formally describe and give scientific names to about 600 more specimens. Proving a species’ uniqueness demands extensive morphological, genetic, and ecological analysis. Further, this ongoing effort highlights the vital role of marine research expeditions in broadening our understanding of global biodiversity, and the complex ecosystems thriving in the deep ocean, and the Gascoyne Marine Park remains an invaluable resource for marine science.
