An almond-sized crab and a small lantern shark were found in the deep sea

An almond-sized translucent crab and a tiny, glowing lantern shark are among two new species discovered in the deep sea by Australian scientists.

In late 2022, scientists from Australia’s science agency CSIRO began a research trip to Gascoyne Marine Park, about 20km (12 miles) off the coast of Western Australia.

Australia is one of the world’s largest biodiversity hotspots, home to more than a million different species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

But – unlike other parts of the world – much of its water remains unexplored and its animal and plant life is unknown to science.

The West Australian lantern shark was newly described out of hundreds of specimens collected during the 2022 voyage. Growing up to 40 cm, it has large eyes and a glowing belly, and was found more than 600 meters below the sea surface.

“Lantern sharks are bioluminescent, light is produced by photophores on their abdomen and flanks, hence their common name,” said Dr Will White, ichthyologist.

They also discovered a new type of porcelain crab, about 1.5 cm long and found about 122 meters below sea level. They use hair instead of claws to grab food.

“Porcelain crabs are known as filter feeders, feeding on plankton by using modified mouthparts with long hairs to sweep the water for small pieces of food such as plankton, rather than the typical crab method of grabbing and pinching food with their claws,” Dr. Andrew Hosey, Curator of Western Australian Museology said.

About 20 new species have been discovered as a result of the voyage so far, including the Carnavon flapjack octopus, a rusty red creature about 4 cm long.

Researchers estimate that 600 have yet to be described and named, as it may take years for scientists to gather information to prove they are unique.