In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists from the US and Chile have identified a ghostly predator lurking in the abyssal depths of the Atacama Trench. The newly discovered species, Dulcibella camanchaca, nicknamed “Darkness,” is a pale, predatory amphipod adapted to one of Earth’s most extreme environments nearly 8,000 meters below sea level.
This tiny crustacean, measuring under 4 centimeters, defies the scavenging behavior typical of amphipods. Instead, it actively hunts prey in the hadal zone, depths below 6,000 meters. Its specialized gnathopods enable it to snatch and devour prey, making it the first known predatory amphipod in such a remote habitat.
The genus Dulcibella was named after Dulcinea del Toboso from the classic Spanish novel Don Quixote, staying true to a tradition of naming amphipods after literary figures. Its species name, camanchaca, translates to “darkness” in local South American languages a tribute to the perpetual shadows of its underwater home.
Discovered during a 2023 expedition for Chile’s Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System, D. camanchaca was found using a lander vehicle equipped with baited traps. Only four specimens were retrieved from a depth of 7,902 meters, showcasing the rarity and elusiveness of this alien-like predator.
The discovery sheds light on deep-sea ecosystems, which remain some of Earth’s least explored habitats. With oceans covering 71% of the planet and only 5% explored, such findings open doors to understanding life in extreme environments.
Researchers suggest that studying creatures like D. camanchaca could provide insights into potential life in similar conditions on ocean worlds like Europa and Enceladus, where icy depths may harbor alien ecosystems.
This breakthrough highlights not only the marvels of Earth’s unexplored oceans but also the possibility of finding life beyond our planet, sparking curiosity about the unknown depths of space and sea alike.
