Only this September 18, the National Geographic Channel has released its new found creatures under the depths of Australia's Heron Island "Great Barrier Reef". The newly discovered marine creatures are now being studied in order to uncover their unique characteristics and origins.
The marine surveying team has uncovered 150 species of new rare soft corals and some unusual sea worms, microscopic shrimps and different types of scavenging crustaceans. The under-the-sea exploration has been led by the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). The marine search has uncovered these species from Heron Islands' Great Barrier Reef and Ningaloo Reef. This article presents you the seven most outstanding newly discovered species from the depths of Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
Luminous Comb Jelly
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The newly discovered specie of comb jelly fish, called Tenaphores, lacks the usual stingers and tentacles. Tenaphore comb jelly emits light through natural bioluminescence channeled through its inside parts. The gelatinous invertebrate resembles a two opposing bow-like shape. The specimen is currently being studied by the marine biologists under AIMS.
The Delicate Seaweed: Caulerpa Cupressoides
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From the depths of Australia's Heron Island, marine biologists have discovered a very small sea weed, Caulerpa cupressoides. According to marine biologists, R. Nielsen and I. R. Price, the marine plant commonly occurs in tropical seas; however, the sea plant has not been seen for 200 years until now.
Green-Banded Snapping Shrimp
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Another unusual shrimp-like creature has been discovered possessing a huge and disproportionate crab-like claw. The shrimp has been discovered inside a dead coral from one of the soft corals of Heron' Great Barrier Reef. The shrimp is currently being studied to obtain more information about its origin, morphology and significant traits.
Salpae Colony
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A rare kind of gelatinous invertebrate has been sighted forming its columnar colony in the depths of Lizard Island's coral reefs. Salpaes can be seen either individually or in groups forming long columns while drifting through the ocean. Salpaes usually feed from small planktons.
Orange Fan Worms
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Another new line of fan worm specie has been discovered floating in the corals of the Great Barrier Reef. This pair of fan worms possesses a brightly colored orange skin with beautifully detailed fans at the end of their tails. Fran worms usually exist to filter the water current passing into the corals to prevent accumulation of sea particulates.
Nudibranch Sea Slug
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The purplish sea slug, scientifically called nudibranch, has been discovered in the coral reefs of Heron Island. The new specie of sea slug possesses its localized eight red branches and two reddish antennas on its forehead. The sea slug is currently being studied by marine biologists responsible for its discovery.
Soft Corals of Lizard Island
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The newly discovered soft corals of the Lizard Island have been found mingling with other creatures of the Great Barrier Reef. The soft corals lack the actual hard skeleton; hence, named soft corals. The new specie possesses small red-orange branches and a white to light yellow main branch.
