Orange deep-sea creature — with ‘dense’ eyelashes — discovered as new species
Scientists aboard a research vessel off the coast of Costa Rica watched the feed from their submersible thousands of feet below the surface. An orange sea creature with “dense” eyelashes appeared on the camera.
Researchers didn’t know it right away, but they were looking at a new species.
The Falkor research vessel set out in January 2019 for a weekslong survey of deep sea life in the eastern Pacific Ocean. As part of the project, scientists used a remotely operated submersible to explore an underwater canyon and collect samples.
One of their samples was a pale lobster-like animal, according to a study published Feb. 26 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Researchers took a closer look at it, tested its DNA and eventually realized they’d discovered a new species: Typhlonida cocoensis, or the Cocos Island squat lobster.
The Cocos Island squat lobster measures less than an inch long, the study said. It has a spiny body, “moderately large” eyes and “dense” eyelashes.
A photo shows the “light orange” coloring of the new species. Its color appears darker on its face and almost white on its tail and appendages. One of its walking legs is missing, the study said
The team only found one Cocos Island squat lobster in a canyon at a depth of about 2,700 feet. Much about the new species and its lifestyle remains unknown.
Researchers said they named the new species after Cocos Island, also known as Isla del Coco, where it was first discovered and, so far, the only place it has been found. The remote, uninhabited island is home to a national park and sits about 370 miles southwest of mainland Costa Rica.
The new species was identified by its body shape, eyes, texture and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 5% genetic divergence from other related species.
The research team included Dong Dong, Charlotte Seid, Xinzheng Li and Greg Rouse.
This story was originally published February 27, 2025 at 4:26 PM with the headline "Orange deep-sea creature — with ‘dense’ eyelashes — discovered as new species."
