Meet The Bizarre Fish Living in the Deepest Depths of the Ocean

Did you know that animals can live 5 miles below the sea surface? Yes, you heard right. Fish living at extreme depths face immense pressure, darkness, and cold temperatures. The ability of these fish to survive and thrive in such harsh conditions is fascinating and can provide insights into the adaptability of life on Earth.

Scientists at the University of Western Australia have recently discovered a new record-breaking fish, the deepest living fish on earth (a snailfish).

This remarkable fish was found by scientists exploring the Izu-Ogasawara Trench, which is situated off the coast of Japan at an astounding depth of 8,336 meters or 27,349 feet.

The fish belongs to the snailfish family, known for its smooth and slimy skin. Snailfish are commonly found in the Atlantic, Pacific, South Polar, and North Seas.

They can grow up to 70cm in size, and their skin color varies from yellow-brownish to red and even transparent.

Have a look below to watch the video covering this extraordinary fish.

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New Record of the Deepest Fish Ever

deepest fish ever discovered — *Source: University of Western Australia*

The research vessel DSSV Pressure Drop embarked on a two-month journey to explore the deep-sea trenches surrounding Japan in the North Pacific Ocean in August 2022. The goal was clear: investigating the Izu-Ogasawara, and Ryukyu trenches, with depths of 8,000m, 9,300m, and 7,300m, respectively.

his exploration was part of a decade-long study on understanding the world’s deepest fish populations.

Professor Alan Jamieson, the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre founder and the expedition’s chief scientist, collaborated with a team from Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. Together, they deployed baited cameras into the most profound sections of the trenches to gather valuable data.

Alan Jamieson, a scientist from the University of Western Australia who led the mission to the discovery, states that these fishes “can’t go any deeper”.

Deep-Sea Fish Video

The discovery of this fish and the stunning pictures taken by the scientists are a testament to the incredible biodiversity found in the deepest and most remote parts of our oceans, which are mostly still unexplored.

I can’t believe there are still soo many places on the earth that are not discovered at all—mostly our great and vast oceans.

Izu-Ogasawara Trench

The Izu-Ogasawara Trench is a submarine trench in the western Pacific Ocean, off the coast of Japan. It is a part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, known for its volcanic activity and frequent earthquakes.

The trench is approximately 900 kilometers in length and 60 kilometers in width, with a maximum depth of 10,554 meters. It is considered one of the deepest parts of the world’s oceans and is home to a unique and diverse range of marine life, including the newly discovered record-breaking sailfish.

The exploration of this trench is of great importance to scientists as it provides precious insights into the evolution and distribution of fascinating deep-sea organisms and the geological processes that shape our planet.

However, due to its extreme depth and remote location, research expeditions to the Izu-Ogasawara Trench are rare and challenging.

What is the deepest point of the ocean?

The deepest point on earth is called “Challenger Deep” in the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific Ocean. It reaches approximately 36,070 feet (10,994 meters), where almost no life can exist.

Do you want to learn more about fish? Then check out our various fish articles!

Want to learn about other Animals or similar articles like Deepest Living Fish Ever Recorded? Then check out our Biggest Great White Shark Discovered or Largest Anaconda on the Planet.