A New Predator from the Abyss: Discovering Dulcibella camanchaca in the Atacama Trench

The deep ocean, one of Earth’s most enigmatic and biologically diverse regions, continues to unveil astonishing discoveries. Recent research has identified a new species of amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca, found at an extraordinary depth of 7,902 meters in the Atacama Trench off the coasts of Peru and Chile.

The name “camanchaca,” meaning “darkness” in the languages of indigenous Andean peoples, reflects its shadowy deep-sea habitat. Discovered during the 2023 Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition, this predator highlights the unique biodiversity of the hadal zone, the ocean’s deepest regions, ranging from 6,000 to 11,000 meters.

Dulcibella camanchaca is an unusually large amphipod within the Eusiridae family, standing out with its predatory nature. Unlike scavengers that feed on organic debris, this amphipod actively hunts smaller prey, playing a vital role in maintaining the deep-sea ecosystem’s balance. Advanced DNA barcoding techniques revealed that it represents not only a new species but also a new genus, broadening our understanding of deep-sea predators.

The Atacama Trench, isolated and rich in sediments, fosters unique evolutionary pathways, supporting species such as amphipods, snailfish, and mud dragons. Dulcibella camanchaca’s discovery emphasizes this trench as a biodiversity hotspot. This ghostly, sightless predator, adapted to extreme pressures and darkness, underscores the importance of continued deep-sea exploration and conservation amidst threats like climate change and pollution.

This remarkable find, published in Systematics and Biodiversity, serves as a reminder of the ocean’s untapped mysteries and the need to protect its fragile ecosystems.