Vellushiuskarvat

Vellushiuskarvat is a marine organism that has been reported in the deep trenches of the Pacific Ocean, specifically within the Mariana Trench's lower slope retreat zone. The species was first described in 2021 by a team of oceanographers from the Oceanic Institute of New Zealand, who collected a single specimen during a bathymetric survey at a depth of 8,000 metres. The formal taxonomic designation for the species is *Vellushiuskarvat* sp. nov., placed within the family Vellushiuscaridae based on morphological similarities to other virusid-like taxa.

The animal's common name derives from Latin roots: *vellus* meaning "velvet" and *shiuskarvat* an onomatopoeic reference to the sound it emits through specialized light‑reflecting organelles. Its body is elongated and relatively translucent, measuring roughly 20 centimetres in length. The surface possesses a velvet‑like texture due to dense, fine microvilli that cover the dermis and enhance bioluminescent capability. A cephalic appendage, often described as a "finger", functions as both a sensory organ and a means of capturing particulate organic matter from the water column.

Vellushiuskarvat actively feeds on detritus and micronutrients, using its flicking arm to stir up sediments and channel them toward its mouth. These organisms exhibit solitary behavior and are known to display rhythmic bioluminescent pulsing patterns, potentially serving as intra‑species communication or deterrence against predators. Observational data indicate a preference for steep, cold-water slopes with high hydrostatic pressure and minimal light penetration.

The species has not been considered for any conservation status, largely due to its singular, undocumented population and the extreme conditions of its habitat. However, the discovery of *Vellushiuskarvat* underscores the potential for uncharacterized marine biodiversity at abyssal depths. Ongoing deep‑sea exploration is expected to provide further insight into its ecological role and evolutionary relationships.