10 mesmerizing minutes with the enigmatic mystery mollusc

Sit back, relax, and enjoy 10 mesmerizing minutes watching the slow undulations of the mystery mollusc, Bathydevius caudactylus. The mystery mollusc swims slowly through the midnight zone, an expansive environment of open water 1,000 to 4,000 meters (3,300 to 13,100 feet) below the surface. Bathydevius is the first nudibranch, or sea slug, known to live in the deep water column.

MBARI researchers first observed this remarkable species in February 2000 during a dive with the institute’s remotely operated vehicle (ROV) Tiburon offshore of Monterey Bay. We’ve logged more than 150 sightings of Bathydevius over 20 years. Leveraging MBARI’s advanced and innovative underwater technology, our researchers published a detailed scientific description of this animal last year.

With a voluminous hooded structure at one end, a flat tail fringed with numerous finger-like projections at the other, and colorful internal organs in between, we initially struggled with where this animal fit into the tree of life. A muscular foot suggested this might be a swimming snail, so we nicknamed this the “mystery mollusc.”

Deep-sea animals capture the imagination. They are our neighbors who share our blue planet. Each new discovery is an opportunity to raise awareness about the deep sea and inspire stewardship of the amazing animals and environments found deep beneath the surface.

Learn more about this fascinating animal of the deep: https://www.mbari.org/animal/mystery-mollusc/

Producer/editor: Kyra Schlining
Production team: Cassy Burrier, Larissa Lemon, Nancy Jacobsen Stout, Susan von Thun
Music: Pond5

Видео 10 mesmerizing minutes with the enigmatic mystery mollusc канала MBARI (Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute)