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Giant Tadpole-Like Eels Rediscovered in Cook Islands Expedition

10/14/2025

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Summary

Story summary

During a Cook Islands expedition, researchers aboard the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus discovered two Typhlonus nasus deep-sea cusk eels resembling giant tadpoles.
The adults lack visible eyes, while juveniles have tiny eyes hidden beneath their skin.
The expedition will continue until October 21 to explore uncharted deep-sea areas.
The Typhlonus nasus were rediscovered in 2017 after being absent from scientific records for more than a century.

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Story summary

During a Cook Islands expedition, researchers aboard the exploration vessel E/V Nautilus discovered two Typhlonus nasus deep-sea cusk eels resembling giant tadpoles.
The adults lack visible eyes, while juveniles have tiny eyes hidden beneath their skin.
The expedition will continue until October 21 to explore uncharted deep-sea areas.
The Typhlonus nasus were rediscovered in 2017 after being absent from scientific records for more than a century.