Remarkable Deep Sea Species Discovered Near Antarctica

Quick Smiles:

• Thirty newly confirmed deep-sea species, including the striking “death-ball” sponge, were found near Antarctica.
• International scientists used innovative methods to accelerate species verification and documentation.
• The expedition led to the first confirmed sighting of a juvenile colossal squid and several more fascinating creatures.

Explorers have revealed 30 remarkable deep-sea species in one of the planet’s most remote corners, among them the unique carnivorous “death-ball” sponge discovered east of Montagu Island at a depth of 3,601 meters.

The animals were collected during two research trips around Antarctica in 2025, with the Nippon Foundation’s Nekton Ocean Census team spearheading the discoveries and naming of the standout new sponge.

At the Southern Ocean Species Discovery Workshop, experts quickly analyzed specimens from the voyage using triage, imaging, and direct comparison, greatly speeding up the usual verification process.

This predatory sponge, known for its distinctive spherical shape and tiny hooks, marks a fascinating contrast to the gentle filter-feeders typical among its kind.

Other curiosities observed included ‘zombie worms,’ which use bacteria to digest bones, brightly colored scale worms, rare crustaceans, and mollusks thriving in volcanic and hydrothermal habitats.

Additional possible discoveries, such as black corals and a potential new sea-pen genus, are currently awaiting further examination.

Thanks to an ocean-to-lab approach that fosters global teamwork, these biodiversity treasures were confirmed just three months after the journey ended.

“Advanced tools—from precise seafloor mapping to high-definition ROV imagery—allow us to explore and gather data from places never seen before by humans,” said Dr. Jyotika Virmani, Executive Director of the Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Dr. Michelle Taylor, Head of Science at The Nippon Foundation-Nekton Ocean Census, shared, “By coupling expeditions with species discovery workshops, we compress what often takes more than a decade into a faster pathway while maintaining scientific rigor by having world experts involved.”

The scientists traveled aboard the RV Falkor, observing both volcanic hot spots and isolated marine communities newly revealed by a shifting iceberg—leading to even more rare finds, including a colossal squid sighting.

Undersea discoveries like these highlight both the mysteries and the endless potential of Earth’s oceans. Dive into exciting new research and celebrate with us as more wonders of the deep come to light!

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