New Celebrities of the Sea

Posted on August 11th, 2010 at 8:09 am by Saiful

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by Ahmad Saiful Muhajir

We already posted some new rare species found in Indonesia, but it seems that more and more beautiful and fabulous rare species are found gaian, by the joint expedition between Indonesia and NOAA called Indonesia-USA Deep-Sea Exploration of the Sangihe Talaud Region (INDEX 2010).

Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

A benthopelagic sea cucumber swimming in the near freezing waters of the abyss, 3200 meters deep

This expedition started from June to August 2010 with collaboration from Indonesian scientists will work side-by-side on two ships, the Okeanos Explorer and the Indonesian research vessel Baruna Jaya IV, and at Exploration Command Centers ashore. The areas of expedition is surrounding the Sangihe and Talaud island chains northeast of North Sulawesi, where there are sure to be many geological and biological discoveries.

Until today, Tuesday, they found 52 new species and eight sea mounts in deep waters. The species were found at the depth between 300 to 2,000 meters beneath the ocean’s surface including fish, shrimp, coral and shells.

Researchers also identified six sea mounts near North Siau Island and two sea mounts near Bunaken in 700-1,600 meters below the sea. Here are some pictures that’ll amaze you.

Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

Large barrel sponges and their associates, 700 meters depth

Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

8cm long gastropod snail crawling on a wood fall (log) at 1525 depth

Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

The sea spider

Image courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

A stunning purple Sea Lily filters the current for food

Ladies and Gentlemen, BATFISH !

Check more pictures and stories at INDEX 2010’s site. All images courtesy of NOAA Okeanos Explorer Program, INDEX-SATAL 2010.

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