Mother Nature is creative, diverse, and dynamic, overpowering and resolute, resulting in biodiversity that keeps fascinating us. Our planet is still largely unexplored, so scientists keep surprising us with their newest discoveries.
While exploring the Mona Canyon off the coast of Puerto Rico during Océano Profundo 2015, NOAA’s researchers came across a strange deep-sea fish, with “feet-looking” extremities.
The NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research (OER) supports research expeditions to travel through previously unvisited ocean areas.
From April 9 to April 30, 2015, NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer explored deep-sea ecosystems and seafloor near Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The video of the strange creature has been uploaded with an explanation:
“Yes, this fish has legs—or at least modified fins that resemble legs. This Chaunax, or sea toad, began to “walk” away as D2 approached during our exploration of the west wall of Mona Canyon.”
The Pink Frogmouth, Chaunax pictus, is a type of anglerfish that walks across the seafloor using its modified fins.
“This fish has been living for so long here that its fins have changed into something more useful – feet. They help it shuffle about on the seafloor.”
The pink frogmouth feeds on shrimp only and can be found in both, the Atlantic and Mediterranean.
Sources:
educateinspirechange.org
oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
oceanexplorer.noaa.gov
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