Deep-Sea Hitchhikers: Amphipods Ride Giant Sea Spiders to Explore the Deep
TL;DR
Scientists using a robotic submersible observed amphipods riding on a giant sea spider (Colossendeis colossea) about 10,000 feet beneath the Chilean margin, marking the first direct observation of mobile hitchhiking between these species. The researchers suggest the behavior could aid dispersal, mating, or foraging, pointing to a potentially common but underrecognized deep-sea ecological strategy and highlighting the need for more in‑situ studies.
- These Deep Sea Denizens Use Giant Sea Spiders as Ubers Gizmodo
- Deep-sea crustaceans caught hitching rides on giant sea spiders Phys.org
- Sea Spider Taxi Anyone? Amphipods Found Clinging To The Long Legs Of Sea Spiders In Boy-Girl Pairs In The Deep Sea IFLScience
- Strange Creatures Seen Riding Giant Sea Spiders in The Midnight Ocean ScienceAlert
- Tiny amphipods were found riding giant sea spiders more than 3,000 metres beneath the Southeast Pacific The Times of India
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