Scientists find alien-like predator in the deep ocean, name it Darkness
Despite oceans covering 71% of our planet, a staggering 95% remains unexplored. While most amphipods scavenge or feed on detritus, this species actively hunts prey, making it the first predatory amphipod documented in the hadal zone. This region, characterised by depths beyond 6,000 metres, is one of the least understood habitats on Earth, yet it may hold invaluable secrets for science and even space exploration. Interestingly, researchers believe that studying these deep-sea ecosystems could provide insights into similar environments on ocean moons like Europa and Enceladus, potentially advancing our understanding of life beyond Earth. Since "Dulcinea" was already taken by a beetle, the species was named camanchaca—a term meaning "darkness" in local South American languages, reflecting the deep, shadowy waters it inhabits.
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