The new species of snail fish can withstand incredible pressure – equivalent to 1,600 elephants standing on the roof of a Mini.
The fish, which has not even been officially named yet, was discovered by marine experts probing the deep-see trenches off the South East Pacific Ocean off the Chilean coast.
Initially they believed the pitch black and freezing conditions were too harsh to sustain life.
But researchers were stunned when they photographed the ghostly white species living 7,000m (23,000ft) below sea level.
Incredibly, groupings of cusk-eels and large crustacean scavengers were also discovered living at these depths for the first time.
The team of scientists from around the world are now performing tests to find out more about the rare 25cm (9in) long snail fish.
more New species of fish discovered four miles below sea level | swns.com
The fish, which has not even been officially named yet, was discovered by marine experts probing the deep-see trenches off the South East Pacific Ocean off the Chilean coast.
Initially they believed the pitch black and freezing conditions were too harsh to sustain life.
But researchers were stunned when they photographed the ghostly white species living 7,000m (23,000ft) below sea level.
Incredibly, groupings of cusk-eels and large crustacean scavengers were also discovered living at these depths for the first time.
The team of scientists from around the world are now performing tests to find out more about the rare 25cm (9in) long snail fish.
more New species of fish discovered four miles below sea level | swns.com