We send spacecraft billions of kilometres into space.

We photograph distant galaxies.

We have robots exploring Mars.

Yet here on Earth, scientists can still spend two weeks exploring the ocean and discover 31 species previously unknown to science.

That's exactly what happened during a remarkable 2026 scientific expedition in the tropical South Atlantic Ocean.

An international team of researchers aboard Schmidt Ocean Institute's research vessel Falkor (too) explored waters off the coast of Brazil.

Their target wasn't primarily the ocean floor.

It was something arguably even more mysterious:

The midwater.

The enormous body of water between the sunlit surface and the seafloor.

During roughly two weeks of exploration, researchers confirmed 31 species new to science.

Among them were:

• 9 jellyfish

• 7 siphonophores

• 7 comb jellies

• 4 larvaceans

• 2 giant rhizarians

• 1 gossamer worm

• 1 amphipod

Some looked delicate.

Some looked alien.

Some were almost transparent.

And some raise a rather obvious question:

If scientists found 31 unknown species in two weeks, what else is down there?

Where Were the 31 New Species Discovered?

The discoveries were made during an expedition exploring the:

Tropical South Atlantic Ocean

in international waters off the coast of:

Brazil.

The research team wasn't simply dragging nets through the ocean hoping something interesting appeared.

They used advanced underwater technology to observe organisms in their natural environment.

One of the central tools was the remotely operated vehicle:

ROV SuBastian.

The robotic vehicle allowed scientists to descend into parts of the ocean humans rarely see directly.

What Is the Ocean's Midwater Zone?

When most people imagine ocean exploration, they picture one of two environments.

Either:

Coral reefs near the surface

or:

Strange creatures crawling across the deep seafloor.

But there's an enormous environment between them.

Scientists call it the:

Midwater.

It stretches between the sunlit surface waters and the seafloor.

And according to the researchers involved in the expedition, it represents the largest habitable ecosystem on Earth.

Think about that for a moment.

The largest living environment on our planet isn't:

The Amazon rainforest.

The African savannah.

Or the Siberian forest.

It's water.

An enormous three-dimensional habitat extending through the world's oceans.

And we still know remarkably little about what lives there.

Why Is the Midwater So Difficult to Explore?

Studying animals on land is relatively straightforward.

Researchers can:

• Walk

• Install cameras

• Collect samples

• Track animals

• Return repeatedly

The deep ocean presents a different problem entirely.

Researchers must deal with:

• Darkness

• Pressure

• Enormous distances

• Expensive equipment

• Difficult sampling conditions

• Fragile organisms

Many midwater creatures are also incredibly delicate.

A traditional collection net can damage them before scientists ever see what they looked like alive.

Imagine attempting to study a soap bubble by catching it with a fishing net.

You understand the problem.

Technology Is Changing Deep-Ocean Exploration

One reason the 2026 expedition was able to identify so many new species so quickly was technology.

Traditionally, identifying and formally describing new species can take years—or even decades.

Researchers collect specimens.

They preserve them.

They transport them to laboratories.

Specialists study them.

Genetic analysis may follow.

Scientific papers are prepared.

Other experts review the findings.

It's careful work.

But modern oceanographic tools are allowing scientists to collect far more information while organisms are still alive.

Meet SuBastian: The Robot Exploring the Deep

One of the expedition's most important tools was ROV SuBastian.

ROV stands for:

Remotely Operated Vehicle.

Unlike a crewed submarine, an ROV can descend underwater while scientists remain aboard the research vessel.

Operators control the vehicle remotely.

Its cameras and instruments allow researchers to observe deep-ocean organisms in extraordinary detail.

This means scientists can study creatures:

Where they actually live.

That's important because many fragile ocean organisms look completely different after being collected.

Scientists Could Observe Animals in 3D

The expedition also tested sophisticated imaging technologies.

These systems allowed researchers to examine:

• Body structure

• Movement

• Feeding behaviour

• Water flow

• Cellular structures

without necessarily destroying delicate specimens.

One particularly impressive development involved technology capable of examining living microscopic organisms in three dimensions aboard the ship.

That dramatically accelerates scientific analysis.

Instead of waiting months to return to a laboratory, researchers can begin investigating organisms immediately.

So What Exactly Did Scientists Discover?

The collection of newly identified organisms reads like the guest list for an underwater science-fiction film.

Let's look at them.

1. Nine New Jellyfish Species

Scientists identified nine jellyfish species new to science.

Jellyfish are among the oldest and strangest animals in Earth's oceans.

They don't have:

• Brains

• Bones

• Hearts

Yet they've survived for hundreds of millions of years.

Their bodies are mostly water, making them particularly difficult to collect without damage.

Advanced underwater imaging therefore provides scientists with a much better way to observe their natural:

• Shape

• Movement

• Feeding

• Behaviour

before collection.

2. Seven New Siphonophore Species

The expedition also discovered seven new siphonophores.

Siphonophores are especially fascinating because what looks like one animal is actually a colony.

The famous Portuguese man-of-war is a siphonophore.

A siphonophore consists of specialised individual organisms called zooids working together.

Different zooids perform different jobs.

Some:

• Capture food

• Digest food

• Reproduce

• Provide movement

Together, they behave like one larger organism.

Evolution apparently invented teamwork long before corporate management discovered PowerPoint.

3. Seven New Comb Jellies

Researchers also identified seven new species of comb jelly, scientifically known as ctenophores.

Comb jellies are famous for rows of tiny hair-like structures called:

Cilia.

These structures help propel the animals through the water.

When illuminated, the moving cilia can create shimmering rainbow-like effects.

That doesn't necessarily mean the animals themselves are producing rainbow-coloured light.

The colours can result from light interacting with the moving cilia.

The result is spectacular nonetheless.

4. Four New Larvaceans

Four newly discovered species belonged to a group called:

Larvaceans.

These animals are particularly strange.

They resemble tiny tadpoles and live inside elaborate mucus structures sometimes described as:

Mucus houses.

Yes.

A mucus house.

Nature rarely worries about estate-agent terminology.

These structures help filter tiny particles of food from seawater.

Even more surprisingly, larvaceans are tunicates.

That means they're evolutionarily more closely related to vertebrates—including humans—than many other marine invertebrates.

5. Two Giant Rhizarians

Researchers also discovered two giant rhizarians.

Rhizarians are particularly fascinating because they're:

Single-celled organisms.

Normally, when we hear "single-celled organism," we imagine something microscopic.

But some giant rhizarians are large enough to see with the naked eye.

One cell.

Visible without a microscope.

Biology becomes considerably stranger the deeper you look.

6. A New Gossamer Worm

Another discovery was a new species of:

Gossamer worm.

The animal belongs to the genus Tomopteris.

These worms are transparent and delicate, appearing almost ghost-like underwater.

Researchers found that the newly observed gossamer worm could move surprisingly quickly relative to its fragile-looking body.

Its appearance is another reminder that deep-ocean animals don't necessarily resemble the animals we're accustomed to seeing near the surface.

7. A New Amphipod

The expedition also discovered a new amphipod.

Amphipods are crustaceans.

That makes them distant relatives of familiar animals such as:

• Crabs

• Lobsters

• Shrimp

They occupy marine environments around the world, including some extraordinarily deep habitats.

Why Discovering 31 Species in Two Weeks Is Extraordinary

Finding a new species isn't unusual in biology.

Scientists describe thousands of species every year.

What makes this expedition remarkable is the speed.

Researchers were able to confirm dozens of species as new to science within an exceptionally short period.

That was possible because the expedition combined:

• Taxonomic specialists

• Underwater robotics

• Advanced imaging

• Microscopy

• Biological sampling

• Real-time scientific collaboration

Rather than collecting specimens first and asking questions years later, specialists were working together onboard.

Are These Species Officially Named Yet?

Not necessarily.

There's an important difference between:

Recognising that an organism represents a new species

and:

Formally describing and naming that species scientifically.

Formal taxonomy requires careful research.

Scientists may need to:

• Examine multiple specimens

• Compare related species

• Analyse anatomy

• Study genetics

• Review scientific literature

• Publish formal descriptions

So some of the animals discovered during the expedition may remain without formal scientific names while that process continues.

Why Are We Still Finding So Many New Ocean Species?

Because the ocean is enormous.

Earth's oceans cover roughly:

71% of the planet's surface.

But surface area doesn't even capture the real scale.

Unlike land ecosystems, the ocean is three-dimensional.

Life exists:

Near the surface.

Hundreds of metres down.

Thousands of metres down.

Near underwater mountains.

Above trenches.

Along the seafloor.

Inside sediments.

Around hydrothermal vents.

The amount of habitable space is staggering.

The Ocean Is Still One of Earth's Great Frontiers

We often talk about "exploring the world" as though humanity finished doing that centuries ago.

We haven't.

We've mapped continents.

We've built cities.

We've crossed oceans.

But scientifically exploring every layer of those oceans is an entirely different challenge.

New technology continues revealing:

• New species

• New ecosystems

• New behaviours

• New biological adaptations

right here on Earth.

Why Deep-Sea Species Matter

It's easy to look at a transparent jellyfish and think:

Interesting.

Take photograph.

Move on.

But biodiversity discoveries have much wider scientific importance.

Understanding marine organisms helps researchers study:

• Evolution

• Food webs

• Climate systems

• Carbon cycling

• Ecosystem health

• Biological adaptation

The ocean isn't simply a collection of interesting animals.

It's part of Earth's life-support system.

The Midwater and Earth's Carbon Cycle

One particularly important area of research involves carbon.

Tiny marine organisms consume organic material near the surface.

Some migrate deeper.

Others produce waste or die.

Material sinks.

Through these processes, carbon can move from surface waters toward deeper parts of the ocean.

Scientists call parts of this process the:

Biological carbon pump.

Midwater organisms play important roles in this system.

Understanding which organisms exist—and how they behave—helps scientists better understand how carbon moves through Earth's oceans.

Why Brazil's Waters Are Scientifically Important

Brazil has an enormous Atlantic coastline.

Its marine environments include:

• Tropical waters

• Coral ecosystems

• Continental shelf habitats

• Deep ocean

• Seamounts

• Open-ocean ecosystems

The tropical South Atlantic remains relatively understudied compared with some other marine regions.

That makes expeditions in these waters particularly valuable.

Every survey provides another piece of the biodiversity puzzle.

Ocean Discovery Can Inspire Travel Too

Scientific discoveries often change how we think about destinations.

Brazil is already famous internationally for:

• Rio de Janeiro

• Amazon rainforest

• Iguazu Falls

• Beaches

• Carnival

• Football

But Brazil is also a major marine destination.

Its enormous coastline supports:

• Diving

• Snorkelling

• Whale watching

• Island tourism

• Marine conservation

• Scientific research

Travellers interested in oceans can experience a completely different side of Brazil.

Best Brazilian Destinations for Ocean Lovers

You won't be taking a tourist submarine down to collect newly discovered siphonophores.

Probably for the best.

But Brazil offers plenty of marine experiences closer to the surface.

Fernando de Noronha

Fernando de Noronha is one of Brazil's most famous marine destinations.

The volcanic archipelago is known for:

• Clear water

• Diving

• Snorkelling

• Dolphins

• Sea turtles

• Dramatic beaches

Strict environmental controls help protect the islands' ecosystems.

For ocean-focused travellers, it's one of South America's standout destinations.

Abrolhos Marine National Park

Another fascinating destination is the Abrolhos region.

Its marine environment is associated with:

• Coral reefs

• Diving

• Marine biodiversity

• Humpback whales

Seasonal whale watching is particularly popular.

Rio de Janeiro's Coast

You don't need an expedition vessel to experience Brazil's Atlantic coastline.

Rio offers:

• Copacabana

• Ipanema

• Boat trips

• Coastal viewpoints

• Island excursions

The contrast between mountains, city and ocean makes Rio one of the world's most visually distinctive coastal cities.

Why Connectivity Matters on Nature-Focused Trips

Travel increasingly depends on mobile connectivity even when the purpose of the trip is getting away from technology.

Your phone may still be responsible for:

• Maps

• Hotel bookings

• Transportation

• Translation

• Weather forecasts

• Tour confirmations

• Emergency information

• Flight updates

• Photography backups

If you're travelling internationally, arranging connectivity beforehand can simplify arrival.

Travellers with compatible unlocked phones can explore Brazil eSIM options through eSIMLLY.

Using an eSIM When Travelling to Brazil

A travel eSIM allows compatible-device users to install a mobile data plan digitally.

Instead of arriving at the airport and immediately searching for a physical SIM vendor, you can research your connectivity beforehand.

Through eSIMLLY, travellers can explore available Brazil eSIM options based on:

• Data allowance

• Trip duration

• Coverage

• Plan validity

Always review the specific plan details before purchasing.

Why an eSIM Can Be Useful for Nature Travel

Nature-focused trips often involve moving between:

• Airports

• Cities

• Hotels

• Ports

• Tour operators

• Remote destinations

Mobile data can help coordinate those transitions.

For example, you may need to:

Message a dive operator.

Check tomorrow's weather.

Find your boat departure point.

Translate instructions.

Contact accommodation.

Check a domestic flight.

Having mobile connectivity already prepared can make those logistics considerably easier.

But Remember: eSIM Does Not Mean Coverage Everywhere

This is particularly important for ocean and wilderness travel.

An eSIM connects your device to supported cellular networks.

If no terrestrial cellular network exists where you are, an eSIM cannot magically create one.

Remote:

• Islands

• Ocean areas

• Forests

• Mountains

may have limited or no cellular coverage.

Download important information before leaving populated areas.

Preparing Your Phone for a Brazil Nature Trip

Before departure:

1. Confirm your phone supports eSIM.

2. Check that your device is carrier-unlocked.

3. Visit eSIMLLY.

4. Search available Brazil plans.

5. Compare data allowances and validity.

6. Read the activation instructions.

7. Install according to your plan's instructions.

8. Download offline maps.

9. Save hotel and tour information.

10. Keep emergency contacts available offline.

A few minutes of preparation can prevent considerable inconvenience later.

How Much Data Do You Need in Brazil?

It depends on your travel style.

Light User

Mostly:

• Maps

• WhatsApp

• Email

• Basic browsing

A smaller package may be sufficient.

Regular Traveller

Also uses:

• Instagram

• Photo uploads

• Travel applications

• Music streaming

Consider a medium allowance.

Heavy User

Frequently uses:

• Video streaming

• Video calls

• Remote work

• Large uploads

• Hotspot

Consider larger plans where available.

Technology Is Changing Both Science and Travel

There's an interesting parallel here.

The scientists aboard Falkor (too) were able to make discoveries faster because technology removed barriers.

Advanced:

• Robotics

• Cameras

• Microscopes

• Imaging

• Communications

allowed researchers to observe environments that were once extremely difficult to study.

Travel technology is doing something similar on a smaller scale.

Digital:

• Boarding passes

• Maps

• Hotel bookings

• Translation

• Payments

• eSIMs

remove friction from international travel.

Different problems.

Same principle.

Make information easier to access.

What Could Scientists Discover Next?

That's the most exciting question.

If one expedition can reveal 31 new species, future expeditions may uncover many more.

Researchers may discover organisms with:

• Unexpected behaviours

• Unique biological structures

• New evolutionary relationships

• Extraordinary adaptations to pressure and darkness

Some discoveries may help scientists better understand marine ecosystems.

Others may simply remind us that life is much stranger than our textbooks suggest.

Both outcomes are worthwhile.

The Deep Ocean Is Not Empty

For centuries, humans often imagined the deep ocean as a dark, lifeless environment.

We now know the opposite is true.

Deep and midwater ecosystems contain extraordinary biodiversity.

Animals have evolved to survive:

• Darkness

• Cold

• High pressure

• Limited food

Some generate light.

Some become transparent.

Some have enormous mouths.

Some form colonies.

Some build mucus houses.

Evolution has had several hundred million years and apparently very little interest in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Scientists Really Discover 31 New Species in 2026?

Yes.

An international research team exploring the tropical South Atlantic off Brazil identified 31 species new to science during a roughly two-week expedition.

Where Were the New Species Found?

They were discovered in international waters off the coast of Brazil in the tropical South Atlantic Ocean.

Researchers focused on the ocean's midwater environment.

What Species Were Discovered?

The discoveries included:

• Nine jellyfish

• Seven siphonophores

• Seven comb jellies

• Four larvaceans

• Two giant rhizarians

• One gossamer worm

• One amphipod

What Is the Midwater Ocean?

Midwater refers broadly to the enormous water-column habitat between the sunlit upper ocean and the seafloor.

It represents the largest habitable ecosystem on Earth and remains comparatively poorly explored.

What Is ROV SuBastian?

SuBastian is a remotely operated underwater vehicle used by Schmidt Ocean Institute.

Scientists can operate it from a research vessel to explore deep-ocean environments using cameras, sampling equipment and scientific instruments.

Why Do Scientists Keep Discovering New Ocean Species?

The oceans are enormous, difficult and expensive to explore.

Many marine environments—particularly deep and midwater ecosystems—remain poorly sampled.

Modern robotics and imaging technologies are making it possible to explore these environments in greater detail.

Can Tourists Visit the Area Where the Species Were Found?

The scientific expedition explored international waters off Brazil rather than a conventional tourism destination.

However, Brazil has many accessible marine-tourism destinations, including Fernando de Noronha and other coastal regions.

Can I Use an eSIM in Brazil?

Travellers with compatible unlocked devices can use suitable travel eSIM plans where supported network coverage is available.

You can explore Brazil connectivity options through eSIMLLY.

Final Thoughts: The Strangest Part of Earth May Still Be Earth

Space gets most of the attention.

Understandably.

It's enormous.

It's mysterious.

And photographs of galaxies make excellent desktop wallpapers.

But some of humanity's greatest unexplored frontiers aren't millions of kilometres away.

They're underneath us.

During a relatively short expedition off Brazil, scientists identified 31 species that were new to science.

Nine new jellyfish.

Seven new siphonophores.

Seven new comb jellies.

Four new larvaceans.

Two giant single-celled organisms.

A gossamer worm.

An amphipod.

All from one expedition.

That should change the way we think about our planet.

Earth isn't a world we've finished discovering.

Not even close.

And scientific exploration can inspire a different kind of travel too.

Brazil isn't only Rio, Carnival and the Amazon.

It's part of one of Earth's great ocean environments.

If the discoveries inspire you to explore Brazil's coastline, islands, diving destinations or marine parks, prepare the practical side of your journey before departure.

Check your flights.

Research responsible tour operators.

Download your maps.

And if you need mobile connectivity, explore suitable Brazil travel eSIM options through eSIMLLY.

eSIMLLY is particularly useful for international travellers who want to arrange mobile data digitally before their trip rather than making connectivity another problem to solve after landing.

Because whether you're following scientists into the mysteries of the South Atlantic or simply trying to find your hotel in Rio, being connected makes exploring somewhere unfamiliar considerably easier.

Scientists are still discovering what lives beneath Brazil's waters. You can start by discovering what lies along its shores—with eSIMLLY helping keep the journey connected.