Dozens of deep-sea creatures have been discovered after an expedition to unexplored waters.
A whopping 38 new species have been found lurking in the depths of the ocean following a deep dive.
The expedition also shed light on two new worm species never before documented by humans.
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They were found living inside a glass sponge on the ocean floor – which may also be a new discovery.
The expedition took place in two of Japan’s deepest and unexplored sea regions – the Nankai Trough and the Shichiyo Seamount Chain.
The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census expedition was completed in partnership with the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology.
Scientists aboard the JAMSTEC research vessel Yokosuka used the Shinkai 6500 submarine to reach the depths, as reported by What’s The Jam.
The expedition returned to the surface with 528 specimens to study, leading to two major published studies.
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Mitsuyuki Unno, executive director of The Nippon Foundation, said: “The discoveries made in the Nankai Trough and the Shichiyo Seamount Chain remind us how little of our ocean has truly been explored.
“Each new species discovery is a step toward understanding, valuing, and ultimately safeguarding our shared ocean.”
The discovery of a “glass castle” – more commonly known as a glass sponge – has fascinated boffins.
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The organisms build intricate skeletons out of silica, which is the same material used to make glass.
The new worm species, Dalhousiella yabukii and Leocratides watanabeae, were found living inside the sponge.
The findings, led by Dr Naoto Jimi, were published on 9 Mar.
The second published study sheds light on the most detailed biological survey of the Nankai Trough ever undertaken.
Before the expedition, in June last year, there were 14 known animal species living down there – now there are at least 80.
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