Underwater Robot Discovers Three New Species of Deep Sea Snailfish

Utilizing technology that was pioneered by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI), scientists employed an underwater robot to discover three new species of snailfish. The three new species of snailfish were observed almost 11,000 feet underwater offshore of California.

It is mesmerizing to think that innovative technology — aka, robots — was used to make such a stunning discovery so deep below the surface, where multiple species of snailfish have been minding their own business.

Because of technological innovations, we have been able to make underwater discoveries and sightings that would have otherwise been unthinkable and unknowable. Now, we have the knowledge that three new species of snailfish exist, ready to be observed from a safe and respectful distance to better understand their habits.

Below, we explore the new research and observations of the three new species of snailfish so that you can learn more about this awesome discovery.

According to the stunning video published by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) YouTube account, "MBARI collaborators at SUNY Geneseo, with scientists from the University of Montana and the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, have described three new deep-sea snailfishes, including one first discovered with MBARI’s remotely operated vehicle Doc Ricketts."

The new species of snailfish was discovered "in the depths of Monterey Canyon," per the YouTube video.

The snailfish boasts "a distinctive pink color and a bumpy texture," according to the video.

"Snailfish belong to the family Liparidae and typically feature a large head, jelly-like bodies covered in loose skin, and a narrow tail," according to Oceanographic Magazine. "Many snailfish species have a disk on their belly that allows them to grip the seafloor or hitchhike on larger animals, such as deep-sea crabs. Shallow-water snailfishes often cling to rocks and seaweed, curling up like a snail."

"Can’t wait for her to be added to the Animal Crossing ichthyology," writes one TikTok user, referring to the "newest (and cutest) addition to the snailfish family" as described by the MBARI News TikTok account.

"Tell it I say pspsps or whatever that translates to in fish," another TikTok user humorously commented, referring to the sound that pet parents make to attract the attention of companion animals.

“The deep sea is home to an incredible diversity of organisms and a truly beautiful array of adaptations,” SUNY Geneseo associate professor, Mackenzie Gerringer, said, according to Oceanographic Magazine. “Our discovery of not one, but three, new species of snailfishes is a reminder of how much we have yet to learn about life on Earth and of the power of curiosity and exploration.”

"The newly described snailfish were observed at two sites. Two of the fish were collected by the research submersible Alvin from a depth of 13,513 feet, at Station M – a long-term deep-sea research observatory around 130 miles off the coast of California," per Oceanographic Magazine.

"The third fish was collected during an expedition aboard MBARI’s retired flagship research vessel Western Flyer to the outer reaches of Monterey Canyon, approximately 100 kilometres offshore of Central California."