A translucent crayfish the size of an almond and a tiny, fluorescent shark are among the new species discovered by Australian seabed explorers.

In late 2022, scientists from Australia’s scientific agency, CSIRO, embarked on a research trip to the Gascoyne Marine Park, about 20 kilometers off the coast of Western Australia.

Australia is one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, home to over a million different species, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

But, as is the case in much of the planet, vast expanses of its seas remain unexplored, and life in them unknown to science.

Among the hundreds of specimens collected during the 2022 voyage was the newly discovered West Australian Shark-Lens. It can reach up to 40cm in length, has large eyes and a bright belly, and was found at a depth of more than 600m below the sea surface.

“Lens sharks are bioluminescent, with light produced by light-bearing organs on their abdomens and flanks, hence their common name,” said ichthyologist Dr. Will White.

They also discovered a new type of 1.5 cm long porcelain crab found at a depth of 122 meters below the sea surface. It uses hairs to grasp its food instead of its pincers.

During the team’s latest research trip, 20 new species were discovered, including the Carnarvon (Australian region) “pancake” octopus. It is a 4cm long rust colored creature.

Researchers estimate that another 600 species will be named and described, as it can take years to gather information to prove that species are unique.