A new species of Ostracod, or a seed shrimp, was discovered 2 miles (2,700 meters) near a submerged mountain ridge beneath the North Atlantic Ocean. Since the light is so sparse that deep, the tiny seed shrimp has enormous eyes (the orange-ish sphere in image).

Also revealed were a new crustacean species and oodles of other life forms, ranging from polka-dotted glass squid resembling beach balls to grim viperfish with teeth like ice-picks. The discoveries were made by a team of 31 scientists during a five-week expedition to explore life along the Mid-Atlantic Ridge using remotely operated vehicles equipped with digital cameras and other technologies. They also explored distinct habitats with colorful carpets of sponges and corals covering rocky cliffs, starfish, brittle-stars, sea cucumbers and burrowing worms taking residence in the softer sediments. Above the ridge, fishes, crabs, squid and shrimps foraged for food.

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