Researchers backed by the Nippon Foundation and Oxford‑based charity Nekton announced the discovery of 1,121 new marine species in the past year, ranging from carnivorous sponges with Velcro‑like hooks to translucent sharks with glowing eyes. the findings, part of the international Ocean Census, underscore how much of Earth’s biodiversity remains undocumented .

‘Death Ball’ Sponge Captures Crustaceans at 3,601 m in the South Sandwich Islands

At a depth of 3,601 metres near the remote South Sandwich Islands, scientists identified a carnivorous sponge nicknamed the “death ball” that uses tiny hook‑like structures to snag and slowly digest crustaceans. According to the report, this unusual predatory method is unprecedented among known sponge species.

Ghost Shark Chimaera Found 800 m Below Australian Coral Sea

Among the most striking discoveries is a new chimaera, commonly called a “ghost shark,” located more than 800 metres beneath the waves in the Australian Coral Sea marine park. the creature’s translucent body and luminous eyes resemble the mythic Greek chimera, a hybrid of lion, goat, and dragon, a description provided by programme director Oliver Steeds.

Glass Castle Worm Lives Inside a Glass Sponge at 791 m Depth

Researchers also documented a symbiotic “glass castle worm” that nests within the delicate , glass‑like skeleton of a sponge at 791 metres below the surface. This partnership, highlighted in the Ocean Census data, adds to the growing list of bizarre deep‑sea relationships.

Bright Orange‑Banded Shrimp Populates a French Sea Cave

Off the coast of France, a vivid orange‑banded shrimp was found thriving in a secluded sea cave, expanding the known range of crustacean coloration and habitat preferences. The discovery was noted alongside other shallow‑water finds such as a burrowing sea anemone that embeds itself deep in the ocean floor.

Who Will Fund the Next Wave of Deep‑Sea Exploration?

While the Ocean Census has unveiled over a thousand new species,scientists estimate that up to two million marine species remain undiscovered.. oliver Steeds warned that “discovering the majority of life on our own planet… costs a fraction of what we spend on Mars,” urging governments and philanthropies to increase funding for oceanic research.