"The large-eyed pink creature was first detected in 2019 by researchers who were exploring the seafloor off California using a remotely operated vehicle at a depth of 3,268m (10,722ft). They came across this individual, an adult female 9.2cm (3.6 inches) long, happily swimming along amongst the crushing pressure, frigid cold and perpetual darkness. New analysis now reveals this animal was a species previously unknown to science - and has been named the bumpy snailfish (Careproctus colliculi)."
"The snailfish family tend to have a large head, a jelly-like body covered in loose skin, and a narrow tail. Many have a disk on their belly that allows them to grip the seafloor or hitchhike on larger animals. Fans of the snailfish described it as 'adorable' and 'the cutest sea monster' they've ever seen. Commenting on a YouTube video of the new species, one even compared it to a 'real life Pokémon'."
An adult female snailfish measuring 9.2 cm was collected at a depth of 3,268 m off Central California. The specimen exhibits large eyes, pink coloration and a bumpy appearance and was identified as a new species named Careproctus colliculi. Snailfishes typically have a large head, a jelly-like body with loose skin, a narrow tail and often a belly disk used for gripping the seafloor or hitchhiking on larger animals. A remotely operated vehicle located the specimen and researchers used microscopes, micro-CT scans and detailed measurements to confirm its uniqueness. Additional specimens were also analyzed.
Read at Mail Online
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