New Deep-Sea Flower-Like Starfish Among 2023's Top Marine Species
An international research team has described a new flower-shaped starfish, Xyloplax princealberti, found in the deep sea. The species has been recognized by WoRMS as one of the top ten most significant newly described marine species of 2023.
Frankfurt, Germany – An international team of scientists, including PD Dr. Ekin Tilic from the Senckenberg Centre for Human Evolution and Palaeoenvironment, has described a newly discovered species of deep-sea starfish, named Xyloplax princealberti. This small, flower-like echinoderm, measuring about one centimeter across, has been recognized by the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS) as one of the top ten most significant newly described marine species of 2023.
The research team discovered the species in the northwestern Pacific Ocean at depths exceeding 2000 meters. Unlike the three previously known species of the genus Xyloplax, which were found exclusively on sunken wood, Xyloplax princealberti has also been observed living alongside tubeworms (Ridgeia piscesae) near deep-sea hydrothermal vents. Researchers suspect this fourth species may not rely on wood for food, but rather utilizes the nutrient-rich environment near the vents, possibly through symbiotic bacteria.
Furthermore, Xyloplax princealberti exhibits hermaphroditism, possessing both male and female reproductive organs, a trait that could aid in reproduction in the scarce deep-sea environment. The species was named in honor of Prince Albert II of Monaco for his contributions to marine conservation.
This discovery underscores the vastness of unexplored ocean depths and the continuous potential for identifying new life forms. According to the researchers, each new species described enhances our understanding of Earth's biodiversity and the complex processes within marine ecosystems, ultimately supporting conservation efforts.