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30 New Deep-Sea Species Discovered in Southern Ocean

11/1/2025

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Summary

Story summary

The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census researchers reported 30 new deep-sea species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous death-ball sponge at 3,601 meters.
The death-ball sponge traps prey with tiny hooks, unlike typical sponges.
The expedition aboard the R/V Falkor collected nearly 2,000 specimens across 14 animal groups.
Despite these discoveries, the Southern Ocean remains largely unexplored, with only about 30% of collected samples assessed.
The program aims to uncover 100,000 new species from an estimated 1 to 2 million in the ocean.

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Story summary

The Nippon Foundation–Nekton Ocean Census researchers reported 30 new deep-sea species in the Southern Ocean, including a carnivorous death-ball sponge at 3,601 meters.
The death-ball sponge traps prey with tiny hooks, unlike typical sponges.
The expedition aboard the R/V Falkor collected nearly 2,000 specimens across 14 animal groups.
Despite these discoveries, the Southern Ocean remains largely unexplored, with only about 30% of collected samples assessed.
The program aims to uncover 100,000 new species from an estimated 1 to 2 million in the ocean.