The melting of the glaciers in Antarctica is revealing secrets from the past and bringing to the surface new marine creatures that had never been seen before.
A team of researchers, led by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), came across a discovery that challenges everything we know about marine life in this fragile ecosystem. However, the discovery not only amazes, but also raises urgent questions about the conservation of this corner of the planet.
New Species of Dragonfish: Akarotaxis gouldae
The Akarotaxis gouldae, a new species of dragonfish, was initially identified from larvae collected near the surface during expeditions seeking to study zooplankton.
Although initially believed to belong to the Akarotaxis nudiceps, detailed genetic analyses revealed significant differences in the mitochondrial genes confirming the existence of a completely new species.
Guided by these genetic findings, researchers compared samples archived in ichthyology collections worldwide, discovering key morphological differences. The distinctive bands on the sides of the Akarotaxis gouldae, absent in its closest relative, confirmed that this species had been overlooked for decades.
Challenges for Conservation
Genetic analysis allowed researchers to estimate that this species separated from its closest relative approximately 780,000 years ago, at a time when much of the Southern Ocean was covered by glaciers.
It is believed that an isolated population of dragonfish survived in deep trenches under the ice, adapting to extreme conditions until becoming genetically incompatible with other species.
“This discovery shows how the combination of modern genetics and historical collections can reveal a biodiversity that we didn’t even know existed,” emphasized Andrew Corso, the study’s lead researcher.
The Akarotaxis gouldae faces multiple threats due to its limited habitat and low reproductive capacity. This fish lays its eggs near the surface, exposing them to dangers such as intensive krill fishing, a key resource in the Antarctic ecosystem.
Furthermore, its distribution seems to be restricted to the waters surrounding the western Antarctic Peninsula, exacerbating its vulnerability.
Importance of Protection
The loss of a species like this could have disastrous consequences for the food chain of the Southern Ocean. Protecting it is not only essential for its survival but also to preserve the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem, which already faces major challenges due to climate change and human activities.
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