Scientists photographed never-before-seen underwater species including pink “Barbie Pigs” during a deep-sea expedition.

An international team of Natural History Museum (NHM) scientists spent the last few weeks exploring the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean as part of the latest SMARTEX expedition to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ).

The team’s mission was to discover the species that were living 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) beneath the surface.

And the scientists discovered several strange and curious species that are “new to science” during the deep sea expedition — including rattail fish, unicumbers, glass sponges, and pink Amperima sea pigs that have now been formally named “Barbie pigs.”

The astonishing animals have now been captured on camera for the first time ever in incredible photos.

“We can assume that many of these species will be new to science,” Regan Drennan, a post-doctoral marine biologist at London NHM, tells IFLScience..

“Sometimes they have been seen/observed/known before, but not collected or formally described. For example, the sea pig nicknamed the unicumber had been seen in previous seabed imagery surveys, but not collected or imaged in high definition to the best of our knowledge.”

University of Southampton PhD student Bethany Fleming coined the name “Barbie pig” for the hot pink alien-like species with sausage-like fingers after the team of scientists watched the Barbie movie on the plane together.

“All the specimens that have been collected will be brought back to the museum, where they will be identified and studied by the researchers here,” Eva Stewart, a post-doctoral marine biologist based at the NHM, tells IFLScience.

“Some may be described as new species, and lots of the specimens will be used for research looking at patterns of diversity across the seafloor in this area.”

 
Image credits: All photos by © SMARTEX Project, NERC.

Ana Topoleanu is a Romanian-Mexican photographer who blends elements from her origins into captivating visual narratives. Her journey into photography began as a means to express her thoughts and capture the essence of the world around her, a passion ignited after completing her studies at the University of Sociology in Bucharest. Since then, photography has become more than just a craft for Topoleanu: it is her universal language and preferred form of expression. Inspired by the diverse cultures of Romania and Mexico, Topoleanu’s work invites viewers on a journey of discovery, urging them to pause, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that exists in both the ordinary and extraordinary. Her photography delves into themes such as the role of women in society, the complexities of motherhood, and the power of human relationships and memories. Today, we discuss “My Pillow”, a project that reflects on memory; let’s see how.

Ana Topoleanu’s My Pillow

One of her most touching projects, “My Pillow,” is a testament to the emotional depth and complexity of her work. The project began during the last years of her grandmother’s life, who accompanied her during her formative years. Topoleanu fondly remembers her grandmother, affectionately called mamaia, as a source of love, guidance, and inspiration. As her grandmother’s health declined, Topoleanu embarked on a photographic journey to preserve the memories of their time together and honor her legacy.

Topoleanu felt that this approach lacked the depth she wanted to convey. Through continuous refinement and introspection, the project evolved into “My Pillow,” a title deeply rooted in memory, representing a poignant moment before her grandmother’s passing. While working on My Pillow, Topoleanu focused on capturing the ephemeral nature of time and the inevitable passage of generations. Each photograph served as an attempt to freeze moments slipping away, reflecting the gradual fading of precious memories and the profound impact of loss.

For Topoleanu, “My Pillow” is more than just a photographic series: it is a labor of love, a tribute to her grandmother, and a reflection of her personal journey through grief and healing. Through her lens, she invites viewers to explore the universal themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.

Hannah Lee Bratz, a former corrections officer, has found purpose behind the lens of her camera, finding rescue animals find their home. Transitioning from law enforcement to the compassionate world of animal welfare, Bratz’s journey exemplifies the power of following one’s passions.

After spending two years navigating the complexities of human behavior within the walls of a corrections facility, Bratz felt a stirring desire to channel her energy toward something more altruistic. “I always wanted to make a difference in something,” she shares, reflecting on her aspirations. With an admiration for law enforcement, Bratz initially found herself drawn to a career path that aligned with her desire to serve her community.

However, fate had other plans in store for her. A serendipitous encounter with her future husband, a Marine stationed in Florida, set Bratz on a new course. Following her heart and marrying her now-husband eventually led her to Eastern North Carolina, where her husband’s military orders brought them to Cherry Point. It was here that Bratz’s latent passion for photography found its voice, nurtured by the Support of her spouse.

Encouraged by her husband to explore her artistic talents, Bratz found herself drawn to the Craven-Pamlico Animal Services Center (CPASC). Equipped with her camera, Bratz was on a mission to capture the essence of these animals, each possessing a unique personality yearning to be seen and understood.

Departing from the mundane snapshots reminiscent of mugshots, Bratz’s photography looks into the depths of each animal’s soul. “I wanted to show more of what the animals looked like,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to portraying their true essence. Through her lens, Bratz offers a glimpse into the untold stories of these animals, illuminating their individuality and charm with every click of the shutter.

What began as pro-bono work for CPASC soon blossomed into a partnership with Operations Manager Alyssa Merget. Today, Bratz can be found at the shelter, volunteering her time and talent, bridging the gap between the animals in need and potential adopters through HLB Photography.

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