British scientists find 'lost world' of unknown species 8,000 feet down on Antarctic sea bed - kept alive by undersea volcanoes

British scientists were shocked to discover a ‘lost world’ hidden in total darkness nearly 8,000 feet (2,400m) deep on the sea floor off the coast of Antarctica.

They were exploring off the coast of Antarctica and found colonies of marine life including crabs, an octopus and starfish totally new to science, living in the murky depths.

The reason their existence is remarkable is that they were found on top of undersea volcanoes called hydrothermal vents, which pump out plumes of black smoke causing temperatures to rise to 380C - hot enough to melt lead.
Anemones and barnacles near a hydrothermal vent: Researchers found species unknown to science living next to hot hydrothermal events 8,000 feet down near the East Scotia Ridge in Antarctica

Anemones and barnacles near a hydrothermal vent: Researchers found species unknown to science living next to hot hydrothermal events 8,000 feet down near the East Scotia Ridge in Antarctica

With no sunshine there, they live in complete darkness but the creatures get their energy from breaking down highly toxic chemicals found in the smoke.

The researchers from Oxford and Southampton universities and the British Antarctic Survey say their existence in such hostile conditions will help understand the origins of life – and whether it could exist on other planets.

The most numerous of the two dozen new species found is a type of ‘yeti crab’ around 16cm long, which was piled in huge heaps of up to 600 animals near the vents.

Unlike other crabs it has a dense mat of hair on its chest which it is thought to use to grow bacteria to eat.

Researchers also discovered an unknown type of octopus they believe is a new species - although they were unable to catch it - and a seven-armed starfish, as well as barnacles, clusters of snails and sea anemones.