While exploring the seabed of the South Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Argentina, scientists from the Schmidt Ocean Institute made a remarkable discovery—a rarely seen Bathelia candida coral reef covering at least .15 square miles, which included a diverse ecosystem with basket stars, crabs, octopi, fish and a giant phantom jellyfish. The researchers, who identified 28 potential new species, were surprised to see such a large amount of animals living together in deep waters where food is scarce.

The team used a remote-operated vehicle to traverse the area, which is characterized by perpetual darkness and immense pressure. Habitats like this one appear to thrive on the organic debris, fecal pellets and dead plankton that drift from the sunlit ecosystem above. This newfound, deep sea reef lies beneath one of Argentina’s productive fishing regions, which scientists believe may be sustaining the Bathelia candida. Understanding these types of habitats can help governments, businesses and communities make informed decisions about fishing practices, deep-sea mining and ocean conservation efforts. Protecting ocean biodiversity can benefit marine food webs, which ultimately support coastal economies and food supplies.