In the Weddell Sea, Antarctica, researchers have identified a huge colony of Jonah icefish roe
He is about to end up run over, his mother saves himAn international team of researchers who was in Antartide was lucky enough to make an unprecedented discovery. During a survey in the Southern Weddell Sea he came across the largest breeding colony in Jonah's ice fish (Neopagetopsis ionah) never observed before. In total there are 60 million groups of eggs, found in an area of about 240 square kilometers.
"The idea that such a large icefish breeding area in the Weddell Sea was previously unknown is absolutely fascinating," admit researchers at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research, who published the study in the prestigious scientific journal. Current Biology.
And thanks to cameras, the experts were able to capture that extraordinary vision.
World's largest fish breeding area discovered in #Antarctica!?The team led by #AWI deep-sea biologist Autun Purser…
Posted by Alfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research on Thursday, January 13, 2022
After the spectacular discovery of the numerous eggs, we thought of a strategy to find out how big the spawning area was, as it seemed infinite. - experts say - The 'nests' have a diameter of three quarters of a meter, so they are much larger than marine creatures, some of which measure only a few centimeters, which we normally detect with the OFOBS system (Ocean Floor Observation and Bathymetry System) .
Based on the images detected thanks to the OFOBS system, the team was able to clearly identify the groupings of eggs, about 15 centimeters deep and 75 centimeters in diameter. On the seabed different types of fish "nests" were distinguished: active ones, containing between 1.500 and 2.500 eggs and kept in most cases by an adult specimen of Neopagetopsis ionah and other groups formed only by eggs.
But the surprises don't end there. Researchers have also shown that that area of the Weddell Sea is heavily populated by seals, which roam in search of food.
Now, in light of what has been discovered, scholars at the Alfred Wegener Institute for Polar and Marine Research hope that it will be established as soon as possible a marine protected area to best preserve the extraordinary biodiversity of this area of the Southern Ocean.
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Fonte: Current Biology
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