O seabed It is still a very unexplored place. To give you an idea, we currently know more about the Moon than the most flooded regions of our planet. The greatest proof of this is that new species are constantly discovered in these places.
For example, in the so-called abyssal trenches, large widened cracks whose depth is capable of reaching 7,450 meters (Java Trench) and 11,022 meters (Marianas Trench).
In these environments, sunlight is practically non-existent, and there is simply overwhelming pressure.
It is not surprising that an ecosystem with such characteristics gives rise to forms of life that would never be found elsewhere.
Recently, the ocean revealed another incredible surprise, a completely different specimen was found: the ‘Japanese sea panda skeleton’, just 2 centimeters long.
What do we know about this denizen of the deep?
‘Japanese sea skeleton panda’ in its natural habitat – Image: Reproduction
The name given by scientists may seem funny at first, but the discovery received this name due to its coloring, which makes the animal closely resemble a panda with traditional black and white markings.
To date, scholars cannot explain why the inhabitant of depths It has this appearance, but it is expected that more morphological details will be revealed as research progresses.
The first photos of the creature were released by residents of the Japanese island of Okinawa, who came across some specimens.
Only after this, the academic community became aware of their existence and began studies.
So far, it is known that they feed mainly on debris and plankton, both items abundant in the vast oceans.
Apparently, the animal is similar to jellyfish and sea slugs, and what appear to be two large eyes are actually sensory organs, used so that ‘sea pandas’ can locate themselves and obtain food.
