Scientists say they have discovered 20 new species deep in the Pacific Ocean

""It's probably going to be higher than that because one of the things we do is we confirm everything with genetics. So we sequence the DNA of the species before we even really make absolutely sure that they're new," Rocha said. "And during that process sometimes what happens is what we thought was not a new species ends up being a new species because the genetics is different.""

"The devices, known as autonomous reef monitoring structures or ARMS, were placed up to 330 feet below the surface, an area of the ocean that receives little light."

"Over two weeks in November, scientists retrieved 2,000 specimens, finding 100 species in the region for the first time."

Thirteen autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) placed in Guam since 2018 were retrieved from deep coral reefs between 180 and 330 feet below the surface. The ARMS operated in the dimly lit mesopelagic upper "twilight zone," a depth that requires specialized diving equipment. During two weeks of retrieval, 2,000 specimens were collected and 100 species were recorded in the region for the first time. Initial analyses indicate at least 20 previously undescribed species, with DNA sequencing planned to confirm novelty. Potential new taxa include crabs, sponges, ascidians (sea squirts), and gorgonian corals.

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