Scientists discovered new "alien" species of deep-sea creatures during an expedition to the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, writes IFL Science.
A team of expert scientists traveled to the Clarion-Clipperton area in the Pacific Ocean to conduct exploratory work ahead of the eventual start of mining. It is an environmental management area in the Pacific Ocean administered by the International Seabed Authority. It is located in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean, but west of the coast of Mexico.
Marine biologists as part of the expedition were able to discover several new species of side-legged sea cucumbers. In particular, they discovered the so-called guinea pigs (this order is also called Scotoplanes), which walk on the bottom and have several dozen multi-functional legs. The most "alien" species include the transparent sea cucumber 'Unicumber' and the soft pink 'Barbie Pig' with sausage legs.
At a depth of 4,000-5,000 meters, the team also spotted a ratfish, one of the few vertebrates living at such a depth. The fish's tail resembles that of a rat, hence its name. "We can assume that many of these species will become new to science," said marine biologist Regen Drennan. According to her, some of the creatures found had been known before, but had not been formally described or studied because scientists did not have specimens.
The Clarion-Clipperton region contains vast reserves of rare metals cobalt, nickel and manganese, which are used for electric vehicles and the production of "green energy".
It was previously reported that a man found an "alien monster" in the kitchen drain at his home and was horrified. It turned out that tubifex - thin thread-like worms with a pink color - had settled there. /BGNES
