Three New Species Discovered in South African Marine Life

Three new species have been discovered in South Africa's unique marine ecosystem, which is shaped by Benguela and Agulhas currents: the "walking sponge" (Suberites ambulodomos), a tiny clam (Brachiomya ducentiunus), and a rare parasitic isopod (Pseudionella pumulaensis), writes Jannes Landschoff for The Conversation Africa.

Despite their small size, these species play an important role in marine ecosystems, such as forming symbiotic relationships and contributing to nutrient cycling. Their discovery demonstrates the importance of continuing marine exploration as each species described brings us one step closer to understanding our oceans' rich biodiversity and identifying new protection measures for it.

There are more than 242,000 marine species described globally, but the actual number of unidentified living species in the oceans may exceed one million. As a result, many species remain unknown, and a large number of those already identified are poorly understood.