Agence France Presse

PARIS - Scientists have discovered Antarctic krill living and feeding at crushing depths of 3,000 meters (9,800 feet) in waters around the Antarctic Peninsula, according to a study released Monday.

Until now the shrimp-like crustaceans were thought to only live within several hundred metres (yards) of the ocean surface, the study said.

The discovery radically changes the scientific understanding of the major food source for marine animals including fish, squid, penguins, seals and whales, said the study, published in the journal Current Biology.

"Most krill make their living in the ocean's surface waters," said Andrew Clark of the British Antarctic Survey.

"It was a surprise to observe actively feeding adult krill -- including females that were apparently ready to spawn -- close to the seabed in deep waters."

Antarctic krill feed on tiny phytoplankton and live in schools, called swarms, sometimes reaching densities of 10,000 individuals.

A key link in the Antarctic food chain, they grow to lengths of six centimetres (2.4 inches) and weigh up to two grammes (0.7 ounces). They have a lifespan of up to eight to ten years.

Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey and the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton used a deep-diving, remotely operated vehicle to film the krill in the nearly pitch-black depths.