Scientists have discovered a new species of crustacean on the island of
Lanzarote.
The creature was found by a group of international researchers during an exhibition of Tunnel de la Atlantida - the world's largest subterranean lava tube.
According to cave divers involved in the project, the crustacean belongs to the remipede genus Speleonectes.
It is said to "move gracefully" through the water and, instead of eyes, it has long antennae, which are capable of searching through the darkness in all directions.
The creature, which is thought to originate from an ancient crustacean group, has been named the Speleonectes Atlantida after the cave system in which it lives.
Lanzarote is home to dozens of underwater complexes and lava tubes, including the Cueva de los Verdes, which form part of the Atlantida system.
The caves were once used by pirates and smugglers looking to shelter before carrying out raids on ships and island homes.
Written by Joseph Hutton
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