Scientists Discover Terrifying Alien-Like Creature They’ve Named ‘Darkness’ 25,925ft Below Ocean’s Surface

Imagine plunging into the crushing depths of the ocean, where sunlight is a distant memory and life itself seems impossible. At a staggering 25,925 feet below the surface, in the unrelenting darkness of the Atacama Trench, scientists have stumbled upon a creature so otherworldly it feels like something ripped from science fiction.

With over 95% of Earth’s oceans still unexplored, the Atacama Trench serves as a gateway into the abyss, harboring life forms that challenge our understanding of biology and survival. But what makes this creature dubbed “Darkness” truly unsettling? Its existence defies what we thought possible in such extreme, inhospitable conditions. What secrets does this creature hold about life in the most uncharted corners of our world—and perhaps, beyond?

A Creature From the Abyss

At first glance, Dulcibella camanchaca—aptly nicknamed “Darkness”—might be mistaken for a villain from a sci-fi epic rather than a creature from Earth’s oceans. This newly identified species is a large, active predatory amphipod, remarkable not only for its unsettling appearance but also for its survival in one of the most extreme environments on the planet. Discovered at a staggering depth of 25,925 feet in the Atacama Trench, the conditions here are near-inhospitable, with darkness enveloping its every move.

“Dulcibella camanchaca is a fast-swimming predator named after ‘darkness’ in the languages of the Andes region, a homage to the deep, dark ocean where it preys,” explained Dr. Johanna Weston, a hadal ecologist at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI). Its name not only reflects its habitat but also its elusive nature, lurking in a region seldom visited by humans or illuminated by sunlight.

This creature measures nearly 4 centimeters in length and utilizes specialized raptorial appendages to capture and consume smaller amphipod species, thriving in the nutrient-limited yet biologically rich waters of the Atacama Trench. The adaptations of “Darkness” to its extreme habitat are nothing short of extraordinary. Its streamlined body and stealthy behavior enable it to navigate the crushing pressures of the hadal zone, where atmospheric pressure is over 1,100 times greater than at sea level.

Image via Johanna Weston, ©Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution

Furthermore, DNA and morphological analyses have indicated that this species represents not only a new discovery but also a new genus, underscoring the Atacama Trench as an endemic hotspot for unique deep-sea life forms.

Observing “Darkness” offers an unprecedented glimpse into the unique evolutionary strategies that life employs to survive in some of the planet’s harshest conditions. Researchers from WHOI and the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO) based at the Universidad de Concepción, Chile, continue to study this fascinating creature, hoping to unlock more secrets of the deep ocean’s ecological dynamics.

In 2023, the Integrated Deep-Ocean Observing System (IDOOS) Expedition aboard the R/V Abate Molina led by the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía (IMO) made significant findings at the Atacama Trench. Scientists collected four individuals of Dulcibella camanchaca at a depth of 7,902 meters using a lander vehicle—an untethered platform equipped with scientific equipment including baited traps. After being safely returned to the ship, these amphipods underwent meticulous morphological and genetic analysis, highlighting the trench’s role in new scientific discoveries.

Image via Felipe Gamonal/Partnership for Observation of the Global Ocean

The Atacama Trench: Earth’s Final Frontier

Spanning the eastern South Pacific Ocean along the western coast of South America, the Atacama Trench represents one of the final frontiers of oceanic exploration on Earth. Known also as the Peru-Chile Trench, this submarine canyon delves nearly 26,000 feet (8,065 meters) below the surface into Richards Deep, making it one of the deepest points on the planet. The trench stretches approximately 3,666 miles (5,900 km) long and spans an area of some 228,000 square miles (590,000 square km), showcasing a complex environment where frigid temperatures, immense pressures, and perpetual darkness prevail.

Despite these extreme conditions, the trench is not a barren void but a vibrant habitat teeming with life, as demonstrated by the discovery of the predatory amphipod, Dulcibella camanchaca. “This study’s collaborative effort and integrative approach not only confirmed Dulcibella camanchaca as a new species but also underscored the rich biodiversity of the Atacama Trench,” noted Dr. Carolina González, an oceanographer at the Universidad de Concepción and co-lead author of the research.

The trench’s unique ecosystem lies beneath nutrient-rich and highly productive surface waters, yet it remains geographically isolated from other hadal environments. This isolation has fostered a distinctive community of native species, adapted to thrive in a food-limited realm where resources are scarce yet ecological niches are filled with specialized organisms.

The Peru-Chile Trench, marked by the subduction of the Nazca Plate under the South American Plate, is also a site of active volcanism and complex geological activity. Studies of trench sediments—comprising layers of turbidites, clays, volcanic ash, and siliceous oozes, with traces of carbonates and metals—reveal insights into the dynamic processes shaping this underwater landscape.

What makes the Atacama Trench particularly fascinating is how little we know about its depths and the world’s oceans at large. Scientists estimate that over 95% of the world’s oceans remain unexplored, and trenches like Atacama represent some of the least studied areas. “More discoveries are expected,” Dr. González continued, hinting at the boundless potential of deep-sea exploration.

What ‘Darkness’ Reveals About the Mysteries of Earth

The discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca isn’t just a win for science—it’s a peek into the untouched corners of our planet. At nearly 26,000 feet below the ocean’s surface, this predator thrives in an environment most would consider lifeless. But what does this mean for the curious minds among us?

For one, it’s a reminder of how much we still don’t know about Earth. If creatures like “Darkness” can exist in such extreme conditions, what other forms of life might be hiding in the shadows of the deep? The Atacama Trench, where this species was found, represents just a fraction of the vast depths of the ocean that remain unexplored. Each discovery here feels like unlocking a new chapter in a book we’ve barely opened.

But “Darkness” also hints at survival strategies that could inspire future innovation. Its streamlined body and ability to navigate crushing depths might lead to new designs for underwater robotics or even spacecraft exploring similar conditions on other planets. And for those fascinated by the unknown, it poses a haunting question: If this creature can thrive in total isolation and darkness, what might exist in places we haven’t dared to look yet—either on Earth or beyond?

A Glimpse Into the Abyss: What Comes Next?

The discovery of “Darkness” is just the beginning of what promises to be a transformative exploration of Earth’s deepest realms. With advanced technology like remote-operated vehicles and high-definition imaging systems, scientists are now better equipped than ever to uncover the secrets of the Atacama Trench and beyond. But as Carolina González, co-lead author of the study, notes, “More discoveries are expected,” hinting at the tantalizing possibilities that lie ahead.

This ongoing expedition is poised to reveal much more than just new species. Each discovery helps researchers piece together a more comprehensive picture of how life evolves in the most extreme environments on Earth. These insights not only expand our understanding of biodiversity but also inform global efforts to protect fragile deep-sea ecosystems.

For readers, the next steps in this exploration may feel like a call to action. With so much of the ocean still unexplored, there’s an undeniable sense of urgency to preserve these environments before they are irrevocably altered. As scientists delve deeper into the abyss, they’re not just discovering new creatures—they’re unearthing stories of resilience and adaptation that resonate far beyond the trenches. What else might be waiting in the uncharted depths, and how will these discoveries shape our understanding of the planet we call home?