By Brenna Krips
The ocean is far more than a vast body of water; it is the lifeblood of our planet and a critical force in sustaining life. We have only explored 5% of our oceans and we keep discovering more and more of our ocean. I will be going over some recently discovered sea creatures found in recent years.
West Australian Lanternshark
The West Australian lantern shark was discovered in the Gascoyne Marine Park off the coast of Western Australia in 2022. The species is very tiny, the largest found being 40 cm in length, and uses its large eyes to navigate through the deep ocean depths. This species of shark is bioluminescent, producing light from their belly and their flanks (the side of the shark’s body). This shark eats small squids, small fish, and invertebrates.
Death-Ball Sponge
The death-ball sponge was found on a deep sea exploration near Antarctica 2.2 miles, or 3.5km, deep in a trench. The Death-Ball Sponge uses tiny hooks to catch its prey, and has bizarre appendages that have orbs on the end. The sponge eats small crustaceans like skeleton shrimp. This fascinating creature was found in late October 2025.
Skeleton Panda Sea Squirt
The skeleton panda sea squirt was discovered in 2024 by scientists off the coast of Kumejima, Japan. This creature gets its name from the white parts that resemble bones, and the black spots that look like a panda’s eyes and nose. The white lines that look like bones are actually blood vessels. The skeleton panda sea squirt spends its time on the ocean floor eating small organic materials and plankton.
Bumpy Snailfish
This new species of snailfish was found off the Californian coast at 3,628m depth in 2019. The bumpy snailfish has big eyes, a tadpole tail, and a bumpy body. There are over 400 species of snailfish and they hold the record being the deepest dwelling fish. Their diet isn’t confirmed, but scientists believe they eat tiny invertebrates like small worms, amphipods, marine snow (dead plankton, decaying organisms), and crustaceans.
Chewbacca Coral
The new coral species called chewbacca coral (or Iridogorgia chewbacca) was discovered in the Mariana Trench in 2016, but was officially described in 2025. It has flexible branches that hang off of it and grow up to 4 feet tall, and the branches can get up to 15 inches long. The chewbacca coral eats by catching microscopic particles and marine snow from the current of the ocean. Its name comes from Chewbacca from the popular franchise “Star Wars.”
Bathynomus Vaderi (Darth Vader Isopod)
Like the chewbacca coral, this isopod gets its name from Darth Vader from “Star Wars” because the isopod’s head resembles Darth Vader’s mask. This is a large species of isopod, reaching up to 12.8 inches (very large for an isopod). The isopod was discovered in March 2022 but officially described in 2025. The Darth Vader isopod lives in the deep waters of the South China Sea, typically at depths of several hundred meters, where sunlight does not reach. These animals are slow-moving scavengers that feed on dead marine organisms and occasionally prey on slow or immobile animals.
Sueviota Aethon (Grumpy Dwarf Goby)
The grumpy looking SUEVIOTA AETHON was discovered in the red sea in 2024. It grows 9-14 mm long. This fish eats small invertebrates with its large canine teeth. This fish uses its bright red appearance to actually blend in with its habitat. It lurks in coral reefs, inside small crevices. This fish is a rare species, and difficult to spot with the naked eye since it remained undiscovered until last year.
Opisthoteuthis Carnarvonensis (Carnarvon Flapjack Octopus)
The Carnarvon flapjack octopus (Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis) is a newly described deep-sea “dumbo” octopus discovered off the coast of northwestern Australia. It was discovered in a 2022 voyage but was officially described in May 2025. This octopus can grow up to 20 inches, or 50 cm, in size. It eats crustaceans, small worms, and other invertebrates. Because of their bright color, the octopus is unable to camouflage itself, making it vulnerable to predators, but they have very interesting defensive maneuvers.
The discovery of these creatures reminds us that our oceans still hold countless mysteries waiting to be discovered. Each finding not only expands our understanding of marine life but also highlights the importance of protecting these fragile ecosystems.
Brenna Krips is a Spring Grove High School student, one of 10 area students participating in the Journal Writing Project, now in its 27th year.
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