Scientists from NIWA (National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research) have identified a strange animal found deep in New Zealand waters.
Discovered during a recent ocean expedition, this “mystery animal” puzzled experts because it looked like a mix of several sea creatures. After months of investigation, they confirmed it was a sea squirt species never recorded in New Zealand before.
The unknown creature, nicknamed “The Thing,” was discovered 3500 meters below the surface in the Bounty Trough. Scientists on the three-week expedition couldn’t immediately identify it. Sadie Mills, the expedition leader, explained that even top experts on the trip couldn’t tell if it was a sea star, sea anemone, or coral. DNA tests didn’t help at first either, leaving them with a fascinating puzzle.
More advanced DNA analysis eventually gave a 98.9% match to Oligotrema lyra, a deep-sea sea squirt. Dr. Mike Page, an expert on these creatures, confirmed this match by examining the animal’s structure. The confusion arose because the team had only collected parts of the creature—likely just the siphons it uses to filter water from the sand.
Though sea squirts like this are common in New Zealand’s shallow and deep waters, this was the first time Oligotrema lyra had been documented in the region. Sea squirts are known for their bright colours and unique ability to squirt water when disturbed, making them interesting members of the ocean community.
This discovery was part of a larger, 10-year project aimed at learning more about life in the world’s oceans. It highlights how much remains to be explored, even in places scientists have studied for years.
wow that sounds scary what if a sea moster got them and there dead
That’s sick bro, also i’m in the titanic rn i’ll let you guys in.
All I did was get some vocab from this
what thats scery and cool
is it a brake down or what.What if they catch rabies
250,000 that is expensive !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.
WOW that is cool but i would not want to be down there
hmmmmmm huant much? also WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE 4 DAYS!!!!!!?
lets all pray they can be found
Lets all hope they are alright and saved
Guys say RIP in chat
I think that this is very scary and i hope that they will find the people in the submarine!
I think that the people won’t have much hope of survival because they only have a day left
i hope they survive
That would be scary
I hope those people are ok.
That is so interesting and cool!
I heard about this on the new crazy!
This is so interesting!
RIP there dead they are not coming up
oh no i hope they are found and i hope that there arent any childs on there
I wonder if they will be found in time
Oh my what if they perished!
oh no! thats sad along with the titanic
5 people that died from an implode seems sad, but it could be worse. they were lucky it was quick or they might of sufficated to death. but I will point it out, they did know it wasn’t tested and they knew it was a dangerous decision.
My friend was updating me on it last night and it turns out, they imploded. Rest in pieces. I meant rest in peace.