Schmidt Ocean Institute
@schmidtocean.bsky.social
Boldly exploring our unknown Ocean
This fluttery finned fish, possibly from the family Oreosomatidae, was spotted during #AsgardArchaea at around 1000 m. Read more about this expedition led by @archaeal.bsky.social from @texasscience.bsky.social here: https://schmidtocean.org/cruise/searching-for-the-asgard/
November 22, 2025 at 12:34 AM
This fluttery finned fish, possibly from the family Oreosomatidae, was spotted during #AsgardArchaea at around 1000 m. Read more about this expedition led by @archaeal.bsky.social from @texasscience.bsky.social here: https://schmidtocean.org/cruise/searching-for-the-asgard/
#AsgardArchaea team, led by @archaeal.bsky.social fr @texasscience.bsky.social — sequencing the DNA collected fr mouth of Rio de la Plata to the continental shelf of Uruguay to detect Asgards, a group of single-celled organisms & our closest microbial relatives on the tree of life. bit.ly/3MdniTH
November 21, 2025 at 12:07 AM
#AsgardArchaea team, led by @archaeal.bsky.social fr @texasscience.bsky.social — sequencing the DNA collected fr mouth of Rio de la Plata to the continental shelf of Uruguay to detect Asgards, a group of single-celled organisms & our closest microbial relatives on the tree of life. bit.ly/3MdniTH
Following a 2021 expedition on R/V Falkor, scientists share findings connected to the toxic legacy of once-legal ocean dumping off the coast of Southern California. Register & join us: https://schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGCuKTmDSrGydYHaoYFbuw#/registration
November 17, 2025 at 11:32 PM
Following a 2021 expedition on R/V Falkor, scientists share findings connected to the toxic legacy of once-legal ocean dumping off the coast of Southern California. Register & join us: https://schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGCuKTmDSrGydYHaoYFbuw#/registration
Skating into the weekend . . . like a cartilaginous fish! Related to sharks w/wings for hovering & flying over the seafloor & a long, whiplike tail for steering. We see them during ROV dives, burrowed into the sediment, utterly still until they can ambush their next meal.
235m #Taleof2Canyons
235m #Taleof2Canyons
November 14, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Skating into the weekend . . . like a cartilaginous fish! Related to sharks w/wings for hovering & flying over the seafloor & a long, whiplike tail for steering. We see them during ROV dives, burrowed into the sediment, utterly still until they can ambush their next meal.
235m #Taleof2Canyons
235m #Taleof2Canyons
This is a sea cucumber eating. This #Taleof2Canyons mealtime footage, collected by ROV pilots at a depth of 142m, offers a perfect illustration of suspension feeding (sped up 5x). The sea cucumber stretches feathery tentacles up into the current to capture their meal.
November 13, 2025 at 9:59 PM
This is a sea cucumber eating. This #Taleof2Canyons mealtime footage, collected by ROV pilots at a depth of 142m, offers a perfect illustration of suspension feeding (sped up 5x). The sea cucumber stretches feathery tentacles up into the current to capture their meal.
Monday mayhem!
We've never seen a scallop crash into an anemone riding a snail through a seafloor field of brittle stars either — but hey, you explore to see something new, right?!
ROV footage from #Ecosde2Cañones expedition along the Patagonian shelf break.
We've never seen a scallop crash into an anemone riding a snail through a seafloor field of brittle stars either — but hey, you explore to see something new, right?!
ROV footage from #Ecosde2Cañones expedition along the Patagonian shelf break.
November 10, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Monday mayhem!
We've never seen a scallop crash into an anemone riding a snail through a seafloor field of brittle stars either — but hey, you explore to see something new, right?!
ROV footage from #Ecosde2Cañones expedition along the Patagonian shelf break.
We've never seen a scallop crash into an anemone riding a snail through a seafloor field of brittle stars either — but hey, you explore to see something new, right?!
ROV footage from #Ecosde2Cañones expedition along the Patagonian shelf break.
During a 2021 expedition, scientists explored an offshore dumpsite, where barrels of toxic byproducts of the insecticide DDT were dumped between 1947 & 1972. Join us for a discussion w/ expedition scientists. Register now: https://schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGCuKTmDSrGydYHaoYFbuw
November 9, 2025 at 10:00 PM
During a 2021 expedition, scientists explored an offshore dumpsite, where barrels of toxic byproducts of the insecticide DDT were dumped between 1947 & 1972. Join us for a discussion w/ expedition scientists. Register now: https://schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bGCuKTmDSrGydYHaoYFbuw
On 21 Nov. 2025, join us for a @schmidtocean.bsky.social Back Ashore webinar w/ Johanna Gutleben, Paul Jensen & Lihini Aluwihare from @scrippsocean.bsky.social, who will share findings from the 2021 #BiodiverseBorderlands expedition. Register now: schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
November 7, 2025 at 7:08 PM
On 21 Nov. 2025, join us for a @schmidtocean.bsky.social Back Ashore webinar w/ Johanna Gutleben, Paul Jensen & Lihini Aluwihare from @scrippsocean.bsky.social, who will share findings from the 2021 #BiodiverseBorderlands expedition. Register now: schmidtocean-org.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
#Ecosde2Cañones sea life & fish w/antifreeze proteins! “It was wonderful to see the notothenioid fish curiously approach the ROV camera, reminding us that every encounter with marine life is deeply connected to the physical dynamics shaping their environment.” - Chief Scientist Dr. Silvia Romero
November 6, 2025 at 9:58 PM
#Ecosde2Cañones sea life & fish w/antifreeze proteins! “It was wonderful to see the notothenioid fish curiously approach the ROV camera, reminding us that every encounter with marine life is deeply connected to the physical dynamics shaping their environment.” - Chief Scientist Dr. Silvia Romero
A swingin’ seafloor hotspot! 🎶
This #Ecosde2Cañones footage fr the Patagonian shelf break is an excellent example of collective foraging behavior. Fish & other creatures navigate deep-sea currents to access an area rich w/nutrients — these vital energy hubs at the interface of shelf & open Ocean.
This #Ecosde2Cañones footage fr the Patagonian shelf break is an excellent example of collective foraging behavior. Fish & other creatures navigate deep-sea currents to access an area rich w/nutrients — these vital energy hubs at the interface of shelf & open Ocean.
November 5, 2025 at 5:54 PM
A swingin’ seafloor hotspot! 🎶
This #Ecosde2Cañones footage fr the Patagonian shelf break is an excellent example of collective foraging behavior. Fish & other creatures navigate deep-sea currents to access an area rich w/nutrients — these vital energy hubs at the interface of shelf & open Ocean.
This #Ecosde2Cañones footage fr the Patagonian shelf break is an excellent example of collective foraging behavior. Fish & other creatures navigate deep-sea currents to access an area rich w/nutrients — these vital energy hubs at the interface of shelf & open Ocean.
A #Taleof2Canyons & an octopus! 186m, Patagonian red octopus, or Enteroctopus megalocyathus, hovering over a patch of sediment, lighter in color than the surrounding area, the cephalopod opened up like an umbrella to feed, likely on a crustacean. Read more: www.instagram.com/reel/DQnH14c...
November 3, 2025 at 11:09 PM
A #Taleof2Canyons & an octopus! 186m, Patagonian red octopus, or Enteroctopus megalocyathus, hovering over a patch of sediment, lighter in color than the surrounding area, the cephalopod opened up like an umbrella to feed, likely on a crustacean. Read more: www.instagram.com/reel/DQnH14c...
We asked how the urchins "dressed" themselves. @echinoblog.bsky.social writes, "Is the urchin doing it, or have the tunicates somehow affixed themselves? It's possible that, for some reason, the urchins are using their tube feet and/or pedicellariae to adhere the tunicates."
November 3, 2025 at 5:02 PM
We asked how the urchins "dressed" themselves. @echinoblog.bsky.social writes, "Is the urchin doing it, or have the tunicates somehow affixed themselves? It's possible that, for some reason, the urchins are using their tube feet and/or pedicellariae to adhere the tunicates."
World Ocean Explorer has been invited to present from the main stage at the Unity Technologies annual conference, 17 -20 November 2025. Learn more: https://unity.com/events/unite
November 1, 2025 at 4:00 AM
World Ocean Explorer has been invited to present from the main stage at the Unity Technologies annual conference, 17 -20 November 2025. Learn more: https://unity.com/events/unite
BOO! 👻🎃👻
No costume for Halloween? No problem. Channel your inner sea urchin: go into your closet (or sunken treasure chest), and throw on all the outfits at once! A few clams, some snails, and carnivorous sponges for drama ought to help keep your fellow partiers in high spirits.
#Ecosde2Cañones
No costume for Halloween? No problem. Channel your inner sea urchin: go into your closet (or sunken treasure chest), and throw on all the outfits at once! A few clams, some snails, and carnivorous sponges for drama ought to help keep your fellow partiers in high spirits.
#Ecosde2Cañones
October 31, 2025 at 6:31 PM
BOO! 👻🎃👻
No costume for Halloween? No problem. Channel your inner sea urchin: go into your closet (or sunken treasure chest), and throw on all the outfits at once! A few clams, some snails, and carnivorous sponges for drama ought to help keep your fellow partiers in high spirits.
#Ecosde2Cañones
No costume for Halloween? No problem. Channel your inner sea urchin: go into your closet (or sunken treasure chest), and throw on all the outfits at once! A few clams, some snails, and carnivorous sponges for drama ought to help keep your fellow partiers in high spirits.
#Ecosde2Cañones
A little terror for your Tuesday!
Basket star filmed by ROV pilots at ~270 m during the #Taleof2Canyons — these many-armed ophiuroids capture prey w/ease. Escape is unlikely thanks to tiny hooks & sticky mucus-covered limbs. Once ensnared, tube feet shuttle the meal towards the animal’s mouth.
Basket star filmed by ROV pilots at ~270 m during the #Taleof2Canyons — these many-armed ophiuroids capture prey w/ease. Escape is unlikely thanks to tiny hooks & sticky mucus-covered limbs. Once ensnared, tube feet shuttle the meal towards the animal’s mouth.
October 28, 2025 at 5:42 PM
A little terror for your Tuesday!
Basket star filmed by ROV pilots at ~270 m during the #Taleof2Canyons — these many-armed ophiuroids capture prey w/ease. Escape is unlikely thanks to tiny hooks & sticky mucus-covered limbs. Once ensnared, tube feet shuttle the meal towards the animal’s mouth.
Basket star filmed by ROV pilots at ~270 m during the #Taleof2Canyons — these many-armed ophiuroids capture prey w/ease. Escape is unlikely thanks to tiny hooks & sticky mucus-covered limbs. Once ensnared, tube feet shuttle the meal towards the animal’s mouth.
...like water or glass that turns into anything,
into smoke, into a spiral,
into a building, a fish, a stone, a rose.
I am different from me, so different...
“Song” by Poet Silvina Ocampo, transl. by Jason Weiss; full poem: granta.com/song/
#Ecosde2CañonesSouth, American sea nettle, 324m
into smoke, into a spiral,
into a building, a fish, a stone, a rose.
I am different from me, so different...
“Song” by Poet Silvina Ocampo, transl. by Jason Weiss; full poem: granta.com/song/
#Ecosde2CañonesSouth, American sea nettle, 324m
October 23, 2025 at 8:24 PM
...like water or glass that turns into anything,
into smoke, into a spiral,
into a building, a fish, a stone, a rose.
I am different from me, so different...
“Song” by Poet Silvina Ocampo, transl. by Jason Weiss; full poem: granta.com/song/
#Ecosde2CañonesSouth, American sea nettle, 324m
into smoke, into a spiral,
into a building, a fish, a stone, a rose.
I am different from me, so different...
“Song” by Poet Silvina Ocampo, transl. by Jason Weiss; full poem: granta.com/song/
#Ecosde2CañonesSouth, American sea nettle, 324m
@schmidtocean.bsky.social is thrilled to sponsor Ocean Floor Explore — a #MapTheGaps Symposium to build new pathways for seafloor mapping and deep ocean discovery. Join us October 26-29 and be part of the last great exploration on Earth. Learn more at oceanfloorexplore.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:30 PM
@schmidtocean.bsky.social is thrilled to sponsor Ocean Floor Explore — a #MapTheGaps Symposium to build new pathways for seafloor mapping and deep ocean discovery. Join us October 26-29 and be part of the last great exploration on Earth. Learn more at oceanfloorexplore.org
In the “2024 Chapman Survey of American Fears,” sharks ranked 52nd, beating insects/arachnids, reptiles, and public speaking on the list of frightful things. Read our full post, and why we think people should find better things to fear on Insta: www.instagram.com/reel/DP2JS7T...
October 15, 2025 at 10:52 PM
In the “2024 Chapman Survey of American Fears,” sharks ranked 52nd, beating insects/arachnids, reptiles, and public speaking on the list of frightful things. Read our full post, and why we think people should find better things to fear on Insta: www.instagram.com/reel/DP2JS7T...
In honor of World Squid Day, here's a Moroteuthopsis longimana fr #SouthSandwichIslands. International cephalopod awareness days happen each year in Oct — we celebrate octopuses on the 8th, in honor of their 8 arms, and squid on the 10th, to acknowledge their ten appendages (8 arms and 2 tentacles).
October 10, 2025 at 4:24 PM
In honor of World Squid Day, here's a Moroteuthopsis longimana fr #SouthSandwichIslands. International cephalopod awareness days happen each year in Oct — we celebrate octopuses on the 8th, in honor of their 8 arms, and squid on the 10th, to acknowledge their ten appendages (8 arms and 2 tentacles).
In celebration of World Octopus Day, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite cephalopod sightings, the glass octopus — Vitreledonella richardi filmed during a month-long #PhoenixIslandsCoral expedition in 2021.
October 8, 2025 at 10:22 PM
In celebration of World Octopus Day, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite cephalopod sightings, the glass octopus — Vitreledonella richardi filmed during a month-long #PhoenixIslandsCoral expedition in 2021.
This #MarDelPlataCanyon seastar, despite all the obvious signs, does not have a big butt. The animal does resemble the famous SpongeBob character, Patrick Star.
Read more about seastars with messages from the deep: www.instagram.com/p/DPWpFi9kkI...
Read more about seastars with messages from the deep: www.instagram.com/p/DPWpFi9kkI...
October 3, 2025 at 4:56 PM
This #MarDelPlataCanyon seastar, despite all the obvious signs, does not have a big butt. The animal does resemble the famous SpongeBob character, Patrick Star.
Read more about seastars with messages from the deep: www.instagram.com/p/DPWpFi9kkI...
Read more about seastars with messages from the deep: www.instagram.com/p/DPWpFi9kkI...
@schmidtocean.bsky.social is thrilled to sponsor Ocean Floor Explore — a #MapTheGaps Symposium to build new pathways for seafloor mapping and deep ocean discovery. Join us October 26-29 and be part of the last great exploration on Earth. Learn more at oceanfloorexplore.org
October 1, 2025 at 10:55 AM
@schmidtocean.bsky.social is thrilled to sponsor Ocean Floor Explore — a #MapTheGaps Symposium to build new pathways for seafloor mapping and deep ocean discovery. Join us October 26-29 and be part of the last great exploration on Earth. Learn more at oceanfloorexplore.org
It may look as if this little one is practicing their dance moves — slow-slow-quick-quick — but we’re pretty sure fish can’t dance. It's more likely this bellowfish, or Notopogon sp., is taking advantage of snacks in the sediments, stirred up by the ROV's robotic arm during #uruguaysub200.
September 30, 2025 at 7:35 PM
It may look as if this little one is practicing their dance moves — slow-slow-quick-quick — but we’re pretty sure fish can’t dance. It's more likely this bellowfish, or Notopogon sp., is taking advantage of snacks in the sediments, stirred up by the ROV's robotic arm during #uruguaysub200.
Do you ever feel like somebody's watching you? This goosefish — with a wide, flat head, gaping mouth, and an abundance of patience — belongs to the family Lophiidae, which are ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Lophiiformes, the anglerfishes. #uruguaysub200
September 26, 2025 at 9:57 PM
Do you ever feel like somebody's watching you? This goosefish — with a wide, flat head, gaping mouth, and an abundance of patience — belongs to the family Lophiidae, which are ray-finned fishes belonging to the order Lophiiformes, the anglerfishes. #uruguaysub200
For the #uruguaysub200 scientists hoping to document abundant wildlife in their deep waters, this small coral offers a message on a bottle, telling a larger story about life on the seafloor, 2,341 meters beneath the surface.
🎥 ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
🎥 ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
September 18, 2025 at 9:24 PM
For the #uruguaysub200 scientists hoping to document abundant wildlife in their deep waters, this small coral offers a message on a bottle, telling a larger story about life on the seafloor, 2,341 meters beneath the surface.
🎥 ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute
🎥 ROV SuBastian / Schmidt Ocean Institute