Extra Adorable Chaunacops in American Samoa
It’s everyone’s favorite anglerfish! During the E Mamana Ou Gataifale II expedition to explore the waters around American Samoa, we found a Chaunacops coloratus on the slopes of a never-before-seen seamount! Our Corps of Exploration is always excited to see Chaunacops (aka toadfish) as we explore new corners of the ocean realm and try to spot its lure on the Zeuss camera. Their frowny facial expressions and unique protruding mouth make for the ultimate “awww” in the control van.
The E Mamana Ou Gataifale II expedition (NA165) is led by Ocean Exploration Trust and funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration, NOAA Office of Marine and Aviation Operations Uncrewed Systems Operations Center, and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management via the Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute in partnership with the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa and with support from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Air/Sea Heritage Foundation.
E Mamana Ou Gataifale II - American Samoa
American Samoa is the southernmost U.S. territory, centered in the South Pacific, 2,300 miles southwest of Hawaiʻi, and 1,500 miles northeast of New Zealand. It is home to the cradle of Polynesia’s oldest culture.
