Lafayette, Louisiana – Deep in the Gulf of Mexico, an extraordinary experiment took place in 2019 that revealed the true wonders and mysteries of the ocean depths. Researchers from the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium set out to investigate how creatures residing in the darkest corners of the sea would respond to a unique food source.
The team lowered three deceased alligators, each weighing about 30kg, to a depth of 6,560 feet (2,000 meters). Initially, scientists anticipated that the tough skin of the alligators would deter scavengers due to the difficulty of accessing the softer flesh underneath. However, their assumptions were quickly challenged.
Within just a day, a group of large isopods known as Bathynomus giganteus were observed devouring the first alligator, breaching its hide to feast from within. The second alligator, dropped about 100km away, was almost entirely consumed in 51 days, with only its skull, spine, and anchoring equipment remaining. Surprisingly, researchers discovered a new species of bone-eating worm, related to the Osedax family, feeding on the remains for the first time in the Gulf of Mexico.
The bone-eating worm proved to be a mystery in itself, as testing revealed its closest relatives hailed from Antarctica and California, making it an undocumented species. Researchers documented their findings in a publication by PLOS, promising that this remarkable creature would receive a name in the future.
As for the fate of the third alligator, it vanished without a trace within eight days of its descent to a depth of 1,996 meters. Despite the disappearance of the body, the 20.4kg anchor, shackle, and rope used to secure it were found a short distance away. Experts surmised that a large scavenger, such as a massive shark, likely devoured the alligator, avoiding any competition with the bone-eating worms present in the area.
The research shed new light on the intricate food web and ecosystem dynamics in the deep sea, showcasing the remarkable adaptations and behaviors of marine creatures thriving in conditions unfathomable to most. This groundbreaking experiment provided valuable insight into the mysterious world hidden beneath the ocean’s surface, captivating both researchers and enthusiasts alike.