Scientists uncover three new sea spider species off the US west coast that feed on methane, offering groundbreaking insight into marine ecosystems and climate impact.

Hidden in the Deep: Unknown Sea Spider Species Found Feeding on Methane


In a remarkable discovery that could reshape our understanding of marine biodiversity, scientists have identified three previously unknown species of sea spiders off the west coast of the United States. The newfound creatures, unlike their predatory relatives, have evolved a surprising and unique diet—feeding on methane-emitting bacteria several thousand metres beneath the ocean’s surface.

The findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, shedding light on the role these spiders may play in regulating methane, a potent greenhouse gas, in the deep sea environment.

Sea Spiders Turn Methane Into Food


The newly discovered species of sea spider harbour special bacteria within their exoskeletons. These microbes are capable of converting methane and oxygen into sugars—a critical process that enables the spiders to absorb the nutrients they need to survive in one of Earth’s most extreme ecosystems.

"Just like you would eat eggs for breakfast, sea spiders scratch the surface of their bodies and eat all these bacteria for food," explained lead researcher Shana Goffredi, a biology professor at Occidental College in Los Angeles.

This novel method of sustenance has not been observed in sea spiders before. Traditionally, their relatives rely on capturing and feeding on soft-bodied prey such as jellyfish, using large teeth to pierce and absorb fluids. But these newly discovered species lack the physical attributes necessary to catch prey, prompting researchers to explore alternative survival strategies.

Methane Feeders Could Help Protect Earth’s Atmosphere


Beyond the biological fascination, the research team believes the discovery may hold important implications for climate science. Methane is one of the most powerful greenhouse gases, and organisms that can naturally consume or convert it play a vital role in limiting its release into the atmosphere.

“These sea spiders could potentially act as biological methane sinks, reducing the amount of this harmful gas that escapes into the Earth’s atmosphere,” Goffredi noted.

The ecosystem beneath the ocean’s surface remains one of the least understood realms of our planet, yet discoveries like this highlight the complex interdependence of marine life and environmental stability. As scientists continue to explore the deep sea, each revelation—like the methane-eating sea spiders—brings us one step closer to unlocking the secrets hidden beneath the waves.