Eurythenes plasticus is a species of amphipod of the genus Eurythenes, first described in 2020.[1] It was named in reference to the PET plastic found in its stomach,[2] after researchers wanted to highlight the impact of plastic pollution.[3]
Eurythenes plasticus was found at depths between 6010m (19,720feet) and 6949m (22,799feet) deep in the Mariana Trench of the Pacific Ocean in 2014.[4] Researchers from Newcastle University caught four specimens, one of which had plastic particles in its body. The plastic microfibre that was found in its hindgut was 84% similar to PET plastic,[4] showing plastic pollution affects marine organisms even below sea level.