Latest news with #AlicellaGigantea
Sustainability Times
07-07-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'They're Hiding Everywhere Down There': Scientists Say 60% of Ocean Floor May Be Home to Rare Supergiant Crustaceans
IN A NUTSHELL 🐙 Researchers have discovered that the Alicella gigantea , a supergiant crustacean, may inhabit 59 percent of the world's ocean floor. , a supergiant crustacean, may inhabit 59 percent of the world's ocean floor. 🔍 Historically considered rare due to infrequent sightings, this species' scarcity is now attributed to observation bias and limited deep-sea exploration. and limited deep-sea exploration. 🌊 The harsh conditions of the ocean's abyssal and hadal zones have hindered human exploration, leaving much of these regions unexplored. of the ocean's abyssal and hadal zones have hindered human exploration, leaving much of these regions unexplored. 🧬 Genetic studies reveal genetic similarities among distant populations of A. gigantea, suggesting a widespread distribution across different oceanic regions. Far beneath the ocean's surface lies a world shrouded in mystery and darkness, where few creatures dare to dwell. Among these deep-sea inhabitants is the Alicella gigantea, the largest known species of amphipod. Unlike its smaller relatives, A. gigantea can grow to an astonishing size of 13.4 inches. For years, this species was considered a rarity, but recent discoveries suggest it might actually be widespread, occupying a vast portion of the ocean floor. This revelation highlights our limited understanding of the deep ocean and its enigmatic residents. The Giant of the Deep: Alicella Gigantea The Alicella gigantea is a remarkable crustacean that defies the norms of its amphipod family. While most amphipods are small and shrimp-like, A. gigantea stands out as a giant, reaching sizes up to 13.4 inches. Its oversized body and unique adaptations allow it to thrive in the harsh conditions of the ocean's abyssal and hadal zones. These regions, located below depths of 9,843 feet, are characterized by extreme cold, crushing pressures, and complete darkness. Despite these inhospitable conditions, A. gigantea has carved out a niche for itself, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of life in the deep sea. Historically, sightings of A. gigantea have been rare, leading scientists to believe the species was scarce. However, recent research challenges this notion, suggesting its perceived rarity is more a result of our limited exploration of its deep-sea habitat. As technology advances, allowing for deeper dives and better sampling methods, we are beginning to uncover the true extent of A. gigantea's distribution, which may span 59 percent of the world's oceans. 'Earth Is Being Poisoned From Below': Microplastics Found in Earthworms Threaten Crops, Food Chains, and Human Survival Challenges of Deep-Sea Exploration Exploring the deep sea presents numerous challenges, not the least of which are the environmental conditions. At depths beyond 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), sunlight ceases to penetrate, leaving the waters cold and dark. The immense pressure, equivalent to bearing the weight of a crushing ocean above, makes these depths inhospitable to human explorers. These factors have limited our ability to study deep-sea ecosystems and the creatures that inhabit them. The search for A. gigantea has often been hampered by these challenges. Its remote habitat requires specialized equipment capable of withstanding extreme conditions. Despite these obstacles, researchers like marine molecular biologist Paige Maroni have persevered, compiling a comprehensive survey of encounters with the species. By analyzing 195 records from 75 different sites across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, scientists are piecing together a more complete picture of A. gigantea's distribution and ecology. 'Lost for 62 Years Then Found Alive': Ultra-Rare Egg-Laying Mammal Resurfaces in Remote Indonesian Rainforest Against All Odds Genetic Insights and Population Dynamics The study of A. gigantea has provided fascinating insights into the genetic makeup and population dynamics of this elusive crustacean. By sequencing the genomes of collected specimens, researchers have discovered genetic similarities among populations found in geographically distinct areas. This suggests a level of connectivity between these populations that was previously unrecognized. This genetic evidence supports the idea that A. gigantea is not confined to isolated pockets but is instead widely distributed across the ocean floor. The lack of pigmentation observed in A. gigantea, unusual for amphipods typically colored in the red spectrum, might be indicative of an absence of major predators, allowing for a broader distribution. As exploration of the deep sea continues, genetic studies will play a crucial role in unraveling the mysteries of A. gigantea and other deep-sea species. 'Thousands of Giant Eggs Found': Underwater Volcano Unleashes Terrifying Discovery That Has Marine Scientists in Total Shock The Future of Deep-Sea Research The discovery that A. gigantea might inhabit a significant portion of the ocean floor underscores the importance of continued deep-sea research. As technological advancements facilitate deeper exploration, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the ocean's biodiversity. This knowledge is crucial, not only for scientific curiosity but also for conservation efforts aimed at preserving these unique ecosystems. Researchers like Paige Maroni emphasize the growing body of evidence suggesting that the ocean's largest deep-sea crustaceans are far from rare. The increasing accessibility of deep-sea exploration methods promises to yield further discoveries, shedding light on the unknown worlds that lie beneath the waves. As we probe deeper into these uncharted territories, the question remains: What other hidden marvels await discovery in the ocean's depths? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.5/5 (20)
The Independent
21-05-2025
- Science
- The Independent
Rarely seen ‘supergiant' deep-sea cousin of woodlice is actually quite common, study finds
A rarely spotted 'supergiant' crustacean related to woodlice is actually a common inhabitant of the sea floor, a new study finds. The deep-sea creature, Alicella gigantea, which can grow up to 34cm long, is the largest-known species of the amphipods. Amphipod is among the most diverse group of crustaceans, with over 10,000 extant species, including woodlice, shrimps, and lobsters. Amphipods are known to inhabit all aquatic environments worldwide. Alicella gigantea, commonly known as the 'supergiant amphipod', has long attracted attention due to its gigantism. It was first filmed in the 1970s at a depth of over 5,300m in the North Pacific but no records of the species were made for nearly two decades after, signifying low population densities. Infrequent sightings only served to buttress the belief that the giant crustacean was rare. There have been only seven studies so far detailing the DNA sequence data of the species. The latest study, published in the journal Royal Society Open Science, analyses nearly 200 records of Alicella gigantea from 75 locations on the seabed, spanning the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian Oceans. Researchers from the University of Western Australia now suggest the species may well be inhabiting over half the world's deep oceans. The study notes the crustacean thrives at extreme depths in 59 per cent of the world's oceans, indicating that it is far more widespread than previously thought. The research examines 195 records of the supergiant species, including genetic data from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA, from 75 locations worldwide to map its distribution and evolutionary history. It concludes that while the creature is rarely collected, it is 'remarkably widespread'. 'There is an ever-growing body of evidence to show that A gigantea should be considered far from rare,' the research says. Although the crustacean's population density may be relatively low compared to other deep-sea amphipods, it inhabits an extraordinarily large geographical range, researchers say. 'Our results show that this species may occupy around 59 per cent of the world's oceans, indicating that the infrequently collected supergiant isn't 'rare' but instead represents a widely distributed deep-sea amphipod with an exceptional global range,' they write. The findings also point to insufficient research of creatures inhabiting the ocean at depths greater than 5,000m. This is in line with another recent study finding that humans have observed less than 0.001 per cent of the deep seafloor. 'We need a much better understanding of the deep ocean's ecosystems and processes to make informed decisions about resource management and conservation,' study lead author and marine explorer Katy Croff Bell says.
