Alien predator discovered in ocean's depth.

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Recent research has uncovered a new species of amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, from the Atacama Trench, located off the coasts of Peru and Chile.

The species name camanchaca, which translates to "darkness", has been taken from indigenous languages in nearby western South America.

Found at a staggering depth of 7,902 meters during the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition, this discovery sheds light on the hidden biodiversity of the deep ocean.

Using advanced techniques like DNA barcoding, scientists confirmed that this species represents a new genus within its family, expanding the known diversity of deep-sea predators.

What makes predatory amphipods like Dulcibella camanchaca particularly intriguing is their role in the deep-sea food web. Unlike scavengers that feed on organic debris, these predators actively hunt smaller organisms, playing a critical role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems..