Alicella gigantea, the world’s largest amphipod, may be more common than we had thought
Maroni et al./Royal Society Open Science
A recent study suggests that a giant crustacean, known as Alicella gigantea, which resembles a large white shrimp, may be more widespread in the deep sea than previously believed, with potential habitat covering a significant portion of the ocean floor.
Researchers, including Paige Maroni from the University of Western Australia, have long considered this species rare due to the challenges of exploring the deep sea. However, new findings indicate that these creatures may be more interconnected and abundant than initially thought.
Alicella gigantea holds the title of being the world’s largest amphipod, reaching lengths of up to 34 centimetres. Despite its impressive size, spotting these “supergiants” in their deep-sea habitat has proven to be a challenging task. Maroni explains, “Because [the deep sea] is so hard to get to, it’s been undersampled for so long, and we’re finally playing catch up.”
In a study that spanned over a century, researchers compiled 75 records of Alicella gigantea, with sightings in the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian oceans. By analyzing DNA sequences from specimens across these three oceans, they were able to uncover genetic relationships among different populations.
Surprisingly, specimens of Alicella gigantea were found at depths ranging from 3890 to 8931 meters, covering an estimated 59% of the ocean floor. Genetic data also indicated that despite their wide distribution, all specimens belonged to a genetically similar species.
Maroni suggests that these findings imply Alicella gigantea could potentially inhabit a larger area of the ocean floor than previously assumed. The 59% figure, based solely on depth, represents a maximum habitat extent and highlights the need for further research to better understand the ecology of these fascinating deep-sea creatures.
Topics:
