video transcript

A previously unseen variety of octopus, spotted on the seabed by marine scientists. It's one of a number of new species discovered at a depth of two-and-a-half thousand metres in the Southern Ocean, near Antarctica. The British team made their discoveries in the lightless environment surrounding hydrothermal vents in temperatures of almost 400 degrees Celcius. The vents, known as black smokers, appear as chimney-like structures emitting a cloud of black material. They're commonly found near volcanos. Large clusters of yeti crabs were also discovered by the team. Another intriguing find was this predatory sea-star with seven arms crawling across fields of stalked barnacles. Colourful sea anemones were also spotted. Researchers used a Remotely Operated Vehicle to explore the East Scotia Ridge deep beneath the ocean. The team comprised scientists from British universities and the British Antarctic Survey. Their findings suggest the Southern Ocean may act as a barrier to some vent marine life. The creatures survive by ingesting chemicals, such as hydrogen sulphide. Researchers believe these new species show vent ecosystems may be more diverse and complex than previously thought. They say the survey has revealed a "hot, dark, lost world" in which whole communities of previously unknown marine organisms thrive. Jim Drury, Reuters