Education - underseaROV

20/02/202520/02/2025

ROV discovers new tiny coral species off Japan

Vitrumanthus flosculus, meaning “small flower” or “flowerette” in Latin, was discovered on underwater mountain ranges (seamounts), south of Japan’s coast.

V. flosculus is remarkable for its small size (~ 1.5 to 2.5mm high and 1.0 to 2.5mm diameter) and for its close relationship with the glass sponges that serve as its hosts. Like other members of the Parazoanthidae family, these tiny creatures have a symbiotic relationship with glass sponges where they exist as polyps on the sponges’ surface.

Full article at: MSN World News dec24

09/12/202425/12/2024

E/V Nautilus finds nautilus in Palau on last dive of 2024

How fun when you find your name-sake!

11/11/202425/12/2024

The Underwater “Yellow Brick Road” is a Hyaloclastite Rock Formation

ROV Hercules spotted this formation back in 2022 in the Papahānaumokuakea Marine National Monument in the Pacific Ocean west of Hawaii:

It has been identified as a hyaloclastite rock forms, which occurs naturally when lava flows into water, ice or watery sediments. It’s a common occurrence with undersea eruptions and can often create angular forms.

Full article at: Forbes 09nov24

12/09/202419/12/2024

Scientists discover hundreds of new marine species in the South Pacific with ROV SuBastian

2024 expeditions by Schmidt Ocean Institute has already identified an incredible, colourful array of deep-sea corals, glass sponges, sea urchins, amphipods, squat lobsters and other species considered likely new to science. Here is just a sample:

Full article at: DiverNet 24feb24

28/08/202415/12/2024

ROV Discovers Big Red Jellyfish

We are constantly learning new things about marine creatures and this jellyfish is a great example. Discovered by MBARI in the Pacific Ocean, this jellyfish can grow up to 1m in diameter and grabs its prey with “arms” instead of stinging tentacles.