Scientists have unearthed a brand new species of cave-dwelling life.

Experts from Texas A&M University, Galveston, participated in 10-day research trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands, where they discovered the 'swimming centipede'. 

Lasionectes, as it has been called, is a previously-unknown form of crustacean from the Remipede family and further expands the scope of ocean life.

It comes at a time when many saline-rich caves in the Caribbean are in danger of pollution or destruction. 

New discovery: Remipede Lasionectes, a species previously known from the Caicos Islands, uses its paddle-like appendages to gracefully glide in a tight turn through the cave water

'We collected what we believe is a new remipede species, likely related to those found in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico,' says professor Tom Iliffe, who co-led the investigation.

'Other new species of cave and marine life will likely be found once further examination is complete.'

At first glance, remipedes may be mistaken for swimming centipedes rather than crustaceans. 

They have a head and long body with 15-42 similarly shaped segments, each with paddle-shaped limbs. 

The remarkable animals are eyeless and lack body pigmentation – typical adaptations to life in the depths of lightless saltwater caves. 

Researchers say the next step is to carry out detailed molecular and morphological analyses of the creatures.  

Teamwork: Paul Heinerth (left) and Jon Ward (right) scramble up the near vertical wall of a 50 ft. deep pit in the Caicos Islands

Left to right: Brett Gonzalez, B. Naqqi Manco, Tom Iliffe and Paul Heinerth prepare for an early morning dive to collect remipedes

Location: Experts from Texas A&M University, Galveston, participated in 10-day research trip to the Turks and Caicos Islands

WHAT ARE REMIPEDIA? 

Remipedia is a class of blind crustaceans, lacking eyes and pigmentation. 

Remipedes are 1–4 centimetres (0.4–1.6 in) long and comprise a head and an elongate trunk of up to thirty-two similar. 

They are typically found in coastal aquifers which contain saline groundwater, with populations identified in almost every ocean basin so far explored, including in Australia, the Caribbean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean.   

However, due to various risk factors, this will need to be done quickly. 

'Time is critical and running out for this research,' Dr Iliffe said. 

'Many of these caves are in danger of pollution or destruction. 

'One cave in which we found a rich assortment of marine animals on our last trip here, is now polluted and lifeless. If we don’t obtain this information now, it may be lost to us forever.'

Dr Iliffe has explored more than 1,500 underwater caves, more than anyone else in the world. 

During his 40-year career, he has discovered more than 350 species of marine life. He noted that there is a sense of urgency surrounding his research.