Exciting Marine Discoveries off the Coast of Western Australia

In an exciting expedition led by CSIRO, new marine species have been discovered off the coast of Western Australia. Among these discoveries are the Western Australian lantern shark and a new porcelain crab, adding to the scientific understanding of deep-sea biodiversity.

The Western Australian Lantern Shark

Dr. Will White, a fish scientist from the Australian National Fish Collection, described this newly discovered species of shark. The lantern shark is known to inhabit depths of up to 610 meters in the waters of the Gascoyne Marine Park off the coast of Western Australia.

The Western Australian lantern shark is relatively small, with the largest specimen measuring only 407 millimeters in length. This shark is characterized by large eyes adapted to the darkness of the deep sea, a slender body with two small dorsal fins, each equipped with a sharp spine. One of its most distinctive features is its ability to glow.

Bioluminescence is a unique trait of the lantern shark, where light is produced by photophores located on its belly and sides, explaining its lantern-like name, according to Dr. White.

The New Porcelain Crab

Alongside the discovery of the lantern shark, Dr. Andrew Hosie, a curator of aquatic zoology at the Western Australian Museum, described a new species of porcelain crab. This crab lives symbiotically with sea feathers, a type of soft coral related to sea fans, where it hides among the “leaves” of its host feather.

This crab measures about 15 millimeters in length and has a bright white-yellow color, making it well-adapted to hiding within the white leaves of its host. It was found during surveys along the Ningaloo Coast at depths of up to 122 meters.

Porcelain crabs are filter feeders, using modified mouthparts with long setae to sweep water for tiny food particles like plankton, rather than the typical crab method of capturing food with claws.

Exploring More Marine Life

Nearly 20 new species were described with the help of samples collected during the 2022 expedition, including the finned octopus, which was announced earlier in 2025. Researchers estimate that up to 600 new species are still awaiting description from this expedition.

The seabed remains largely unexplored, and biological surveys of these marine habitats are crucial for enhancing our understanding of the amazing marine life that inhabits the depths of our oceans.

Conclusion

The new marine discoveries in Western Australia are a remarkable example of the hidden biodiversity in the deep sea. Through careful study and ongoing research, scientists can uncover more fascinating species that live far from view. These expeditions are not just tales of discovering new species but also a call for a better understanding of the complex marine life that contributes to the balance of our ecosystem.