In the depths of the ocean, a peculiar creature with hairy legs and red eyes may seem like a creature from a nightmare. However, these eerie beings are very real and have recently been unveiled in the Salish Sea region of southern British Columbia.
Researchers at the University of British Columbia, led by Cormac Toller-Scott during his zoology master’s degree, made the fascinating discovery of two previously unknown species of sea spiders. These marine invertebrates, distinct from their terrestrial spider relatives, have dwelled in the oceans since ancient times.
During dives from September 2023 to August 2024, the research team explored various marine habitats in locations such as Quadra Island, Vancouver, Bamfield, and Victoria, reaching depths of up to 18 meters. By meticulously studying the physical characteristics and genetic data of the collected specimens, they identified the new species residing on hydroids, organisms akin to attached jellyfish.
The newfound sea spiders were named Callipallene pilosuspedes, reflecting their hairy-legged appearance, and Tanystylum kiixin, named after a nearby Indigenous village site. This discovery adds to the limited knowledge of sea spider species in the Salish Sea and Vancouver Island region.
In a separate study, UBC researchers led by biologist Shana Goffredi stumbled upon three new sea spider species thriving near methane seeps and hydrothermal vents. These resilient creatures were found to cultivate bacteria capable of converting methane into essential nutrients, showcasing their unique ecological role.
Despite the significance of taxonomic research like the sea spider discovery, funding for such projects remains scarce. Toller-Scott emphasized the importance of taxonomy in laying the groundwork for broader scientific inquiries, suggesting that many more undiscovered species await exploration along Canada’s diverse West Coast shoreline.
