Story perspectives

New Coral Reef Discovered in Argentina; 28 Species Identified

4/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Schmidt Ocean Institute led an expedition that discovered a cold-water coral reef off Argentina, spanning 0.4 km² and housing the largest recorded species of Bathelia candida.
The expedition identified 28 new species and extreme ecosystems within the reef.
In Ecuador, scientists found a glass frog, Nymphargus dajomesae, in the El Quimi Biological Reserve.
The discoveries underscore a need for conservation in South America, where deforestation and mining threaten biodiversity.

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Story summary

The Schmidt Ocean Institute led an expedition that discovered a cold-water coral reef off Argentina, spanning 0.4 km² and housing the largest recorded species of Bathelia candida.
The expedition identified 28 new species and extreme ecosystems within the reef.
In Ecuador, scientists found a glass frog, Nymphargus dajomesae, in the El Quimi Biological Reserve.
The discoveries underscore a need for conservation in South America, where deforestation and mining threaten biodiversity.