Skip to content Skip to Content

California researchers discover mysterious, gelatinous new sea slug

Spring is usually when bugs start to mate, so now is the time to keep them away.
Noah Farley
Spring is usually when bugs start to mate, so now is the time to keep them away.

MONTEREY, Calif. (AP) — More than two decades after spotting a mysterious, gelatinous, bioluminescent creature swimming in the deep sea, California researchers this week announced that it was a new species of sea slug. Scientists with the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute using a remote vehicle first noticed what they called a “mystery mollusc” in February 2000 at a depth of 8,500 feet in the Pacific. After reviewing more than 150 sightings of the creature, and studying it in a lab, researchers determined it was a new type of sea slug. It lives in the so-called midnight zone, an area of deep ocean known for frigid temperatures, inky darkness, and crushing pressure.

Article Topic Follows: AP National

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Associated Press

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KIFI Local News 8 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.