'Headless Chicken Monster' Deep-Sea Creature Caught On Camera

A deep sea creature known as the headless chicken monster has been caught on camera in the Southern Ocean for the first time. The sea cucumber, which is officially known as the Enypniastes eximia, was captured using a special camera developed by Australian researchers, according to the nation's government, which has announced the discovery.

This dead-sea sea cucumber has a very unique appearance, that spurring the nicknames "headless chicken monster" and "headless chicken fish." The creature features webbed swimming apparatuses and a bright pink color, as well as a rounded body and an anterior sail.

Until now, the headless chicken monster had only ever been caught on film in the Gulf of Mexico, though researchers say the creatures can be found all over the world. That changed thanks to a camera created by the Australian Antarctic Division, which designed the device to attach to a commercial fishing tool called a longline.

The camera and related hardware are housed in a durable, waterproof container, which are tossed into the water with the longlines. According to researchers, the devices have captured extensive footage from the deep Southern Ocean, including creatures that have previously never been caught on camera in that region.

Australia is seeking the creation of a new East Antarctic Marine Protected Area, which will help manage species that exist the region, protecting them damage or excessive harvesting by commercial fishing.

SOURCE: Australian Government