University of Hawaii scientists observe deep fish

HONOLULU — An international team led by University of Hawaii scientists says they have set a record for observing the deepest fish during an expedition to the Mariana Trench in the western Pacific.

The scholars said Thursday they saw the fish more than 5 miles underwater. The scientists say it was a type of new type of snailfish, with broad wing-like fins and an eel-like tail.

The deepest point in the trench is 7 miles underwater. The expedition studied an area between about 3 to 6.5 miles deep.

University of Hawaii Professor Jeff Drazen says many studies have rushed to the bottom of the trench. But he says that’s limiting from an ecological point of view. He says that’s like trying to understand a mountain by only looking at its summit.