The deep ocean, a realm of mystery and unparalleled diversity, has revealed yet another hidden marvel. Scientists have identified a new amphipod species, Dulcibella camanchaca, within the depths of the Atacama Trench, off the coasts of Peru and Chile.
Named camanchaca—meaning “darkness” in local indigenous languages—the species was discovered at a remarkable depth of 7,902 meters during the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition. This finding underscores the extraordinary biodiversity thriving in the hadal zone, the planet’s most extreme underwater habitats.
The Atacama Trench, shaped by its seclusion and sediment-rich environment, exemplifies nature’s ability to foster unique and specialized life forms. This latest discovery not only highlights the trench’s ecological significance but also reaffirms the need for continued exploration of the deep ocean’s untapped mysteries.