Mariana Trench expedition finds some of the deepest living fish

An international team of scientists has discovered some of the deepest living fish ever recorded in the Mariana Trench, according to National Public Radio. The trench lies seven miles below the surface and is empty of light and heat.

Researchers deployed scientific landers equipped with instruments and cameras off the R/V Falkor to make the discovery. In the extreme depths, a few of the landers sent down to survey imploded due to pressure.

Once on the bottom of the trench, those landers that made it transmitted images back to researchers and caught a few specimens in bait traps. Scientists also say they spotted a new species of snailfish that had wide fins, an eel-like tail and translucent skin.

Top image: Researches used bait traps to capture images of deep living fish. (Credit: Schmidt Ocean Institute)