Odd
Picture: Supergiant amphipod found off New Zealand
Published Monday, Feb 6 2012, 10:55 GMT | By Mayer Nissim | 4 comments
As anyone who has watched a David Attenborough doc will know, the world of nature is full of infinite wonder.
That doesn't stop us from being utterly amazed when we see something quirky, though, like when this snap of a supergiant amphipod landed on our desks today. Just don't call it a shrimp!
> 'Gunshot shrimp' found in UK waters
> Running shrimp becomes web sensation
The crustacean was found in the Kermadec Trench, north of New Zealand by researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research.
Your average deep sea amphipods are around 2-3cm long, and while you get some so-called 'giant' types in Antarctica, they still look titchy compared to this beast.
The best thing is, the scientists weren't even looking for the shrimps. They were actually on the hunt for some rare deep sea snailfish.
Voyage leader Dr Alan Jamieson of University of Aberdeen's Oceanlab said: "At the moment the traps came on deck we were elated at the sight of the snailfish as we have been after these fish for years.
"However, seconds later I stopped and thought, 'What on earth is that?' whilst catching a glimpse of an amphipod far bigger than I ever thought possible."
That doesn't stop us from being utterly amazed when we see something quirky, though, like when this snap of a supergiant amphipod landed on our desks today. Just don't call it a shrimp!
© (c) Oceanlab, University of Aberdeen, UK
> 'Gunshot shrimp' found in UK waters
> Running shrimp becomes web sensation
The crustacean was found in the Kermadec Trench, north of New Zealand by researchers from the University of Aberdeen and the National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research.
Your average deep sea amphipods are around 2-3cm long, and while you get some so-called 'giant' types in Antarctica, they still look titchy compared to this beast.
The best thing is, the scientists weren't even looking for the shrimps. They were actually on the hunt for some rare deep sea snailfish.
Voyage leader Dr Alan Jamieson of University of Aberdeen's Oceanlab said: "At the moment the traps came on deck we were elated at the sight of the snailfish as we have been after these fish for years.
"However, seconds later I stopped and thought, 'What on earth is that?' whilst catching a glimpse of an amphipod far bigger than I ever thought possible."
More: David Attenborough, Odd
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