Deep-sea ‘hotels’ reveal 20 new species hiding in Pacific Ocean twilight zone near Guam

The California Academy of Sciences went deep underwater to the reefs of off Guam and made some incredible discoveries according to Mongabay:

“The [ARMS] that we recently retrieved in Guam are essentially small underwater hotels that coral reef organisms colonize over time,” Rocha said.

When his team brought the 13 ARMS up to their vessel, the plates were blanketed with life: bright orange sponges, twisted tube worms and crimson-colored marine animals. Miniature pink fish, smaller than thumb tacks, swam frantically, seeing sunlight for the first time in their lives.

The findings amazed everyone. Scientists gathered 2,000 specimens and identified 100 species never before recorded in the region. At least 20 appear to be completely new to science.

The article however, points to a concerning discovery as well, as temperatures are rising even in the twilight zone, previously thought to be safe from damage.