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As we dream of exploring the wonders of space, closer to home, the Earth's oceans remain full of mysteries, some of which are accidentally revealed to us.
Take enypniastes eximiafor example, a cucumber swimming in deep waters never seen in the waters of the Southern Ocean (although it was filmed in the Gulf of Mexico last year). Scientists from the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) involved in marine conservation efforts captured the creature on film with an underwater camera system developed for the commercial longline fishery. Marine biologists use ultra-durable cameras to learn about the type of marine life that could be disrupted by commercial activities. And they lead to amazing new discoveries.
"We needed something that could be projected on the side of a boat and would continue to operate reliably under extreme pressure in complete darkness for long periods of time," says ADA Chief Dirk Welsford, in a statement. a statement. "Some of the images we get from the cameras are breathtaking, including species we've never seen in this part of the world."
Examples of enypniastes eximia were filmed last year in waters off eastern Mexico; Using specialized cameras, marine biologists have learned that the species is also swimming in the seas off eastern Antarctica. This unusual creature has been dubbed the "headless chicken monster", although more generous observers also call it the "Spanish dancer". This last nickname refers to his unique abilities. A thousand other species of sea cucumbers, but gliding gracefully upward, swimming with fin-shaped structures that allow it to avoid predators.
The translucent pink Enypniastes eximia is unusual for many reasons. Its internal organs are visible, especially in young people – young creatures tend to be of a pale pink and darken with age. Bioluminescent, it emits light from its podia (feet), tentacles and various other points around the body. It has 12 interconnected podia, forming a kind of veil, which serve as suction to help it wander in the sediments of the ocean floor. And he spends most of his time swimming, according to a study by the Journal of the Japan Oceanographic Society.
The Spanish dancer also has an incredible tactic to turn her predators into prey. When a predator attacks, Enypniastes eximia mark his future eater with a cloud of glowing cloth. This makes the sea cucumber predator more visible and visible, even if it costs the Spanish dancer. After an attack, the sea cucumber needs five days to regenerate its skin and its bioluminescence.
Given how glorious and strange the Enypniastes eximia It's unfair to call it the "headless chicken monster", especially since creatures are not just weird and weird. They serve an important purpose. The 1,250 species of holothurians in the world are also ocean aspirators. Although "headless", they ensure the health of coral reefs and seagrass simply by breathing, eating and excreting. That's more than can be said for humans.
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