Creatures unknown to science have been discovered in the Pacific Ocean: among them are a bright red frog and a bat fish. Video

A team of researchers has discovered creatures unknown to science in the Pacific Ocean. Among the most interesting ones are a red frogfish, a batfish, and something that looks like a large water spider.

Amazing life forms were spotted on a deep-sea volcano near American Samoa. As part of a 20-day trip aboard the EV Nautilus research ship, the team used robotic underwater vehicles to document part of the seabed in the South Pacific, IflScience writes.

The published video shows footage of two dives during the study of the underwater mountain Vailuluu, Samoa's most active submarine volcano, at a depth of 600 to 1500 meters. According to scientists, this is the first time since 2005 that the human eye has seen this region.

The researchers were amazed when they came across Chaunacops, a bright red sea frog described as a "fan favorite" due to its surprisingly plump body and cute facial expression. "It looks very round. And although it tries to look intimidating, it doesn't succeed," the researchers joke.

At a depth of 892 meters, the crew spotted a batfish with a beautiful pattern on its body, which was covered with spines.

Along the way, the researchers found strange starfish that live on corals.

They also showed a terrifying ocean creature that resembles a large spider with long legs.

According to scientists, the world's oceans are dotted with underwater mountains, but most of them are in the Pacific Ocean. The Wailulu Seamount, discovered in 1975, rises 4,200 meters above the seabed with a 2-kilometer-wide crater, which is comparable to the size of Mount Fuji in Japan.

The researchers emphasize that seamounts are unique sites that often become hives of biodiversity because they provide wildlife with a solid surface to live on where food and nutrients can be found.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!