Here is a concise summary of the text:
**Title:** Unveiling the Mysteries of the Regalec (Herring King)
**Summary:**
* The Regalec, a mysterious and rarely seen deep-sea fish, is explored in a scientific experiment off the coast of France.
* A team, including diver David Luquet and photographer Roberto Rinaldi, use a specialized buoy and diving equipment to study the fish in its natural habitat.
* Key discoveries:
+ Regalec's brain is remarkably small (about 2 cm) yet controls its exceptionally long body.
+ The fish has a unique, internally located olfactory system, allowing it to detect odors while keeping its mouth open.
+ Regalec can self-amputate parts of its body to conserve energy, a rare ability among fish.
+ Its diet consists of krill, which it likely catches at night, aided by bioluminescent organs (later discovered using UV lamps).
+ Regalec is prey to deep-sea predators, such as sperm whales, as revealed by parasite analysis.
* The team's findings provide unprecedented insights into the biology and behavior of this enigmatic creature, debunking myths and shedding light on its remarkable adaptations.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, numbered and in short sentences:
1. **Ocean Depth**: The ocean has mysterious animals in its depths.
2. **Sea Snake (Regalec)**: A creature, also known as the Herring King or Regalec, is barely known to science.
3. **Regalec Size**: The longest recorded Regalec was eleven meters long.
4. **Historical Classification**: Until the 19th century, eels were considered sea monsters.
5. **Sighting Rarity**: Fewer than 250 Regalec specimens have been identified over two centuries.
6. **Observation Location**: A Regalec was observed alive in the Mediterranean Sea, off the south of France.
7. **Côte d'Azur**: Over 12 million swimmers enjoy the warm waters of the Côte d'Azur every year.
8. **Scientific Experiment**: A unique experiment involving an oceanographic buoy (Compass) was set up 60 km off the coast of Nice.
9. **Buoy Purpose**: The Compass buoy's primary purpose was to collect water color data to calibrate satellites monitoring the oceans.
10. **Water Color Indicator**: Water color varies by season and location, indicating the presence of plankton.
11. **Plankton Blooms**: Spring brings microscopic algae and their predators, known as plankton blooms.
12. **Chlorophyll Effect**: Chlorophyll gives seawater a green color, marking the start of the ocean's food chain.
13. **Continuous Observations**: Continuous observations over several years are necessary to understand the Mediterranean Sea's development.
14. **David Luquet's Role**: David Luquet, a passionate biologist and scientific diver, is responsible for maintaining the Compass buoy.
15. **Diving Depth**: The buoy is submerged at a depth of 2,500 meters, requiring specialized equipment for maintenance.
16. **Regalec Sighting by David**: David encountered a Regalec while inspecting the buoy, observing it swims vertically.
17. **Regalec's Brain Size**: Regalec's brain is approximately 2 cm in size, smaller than its eye.
18. **Regalec's Anatomy**: It has the longest spinal cord and digestive system known in a fish.
19. **MRI Study**: An MRI study on a fresh Regalec specimen revealed detailed anatomy, including its small brain.
20. **Olfactory System Discovery**: Regalec's nostrils are located inside its mouth, and it must keep its jaws parted to detect odors.
21. **Diet Study Challenge**: Studying Regalec's diet is challenging due to the rarity of encountering live specimens.
22. **Genetic Study**: A genetic study on mucus samples from multiple Regalecs found 10% differences between individuals.
23. **Two Regalec Species**: Research suggests there are two types of Regalec: Regalecus glesne (Mediterranean) and Regalecus russelii (Pacific).
24. **Morphological Differences**: The two species have different numbers of protrusions on their crowns.
25. **Feeding Behavior**: Regalecs likely feed on krill, as indicated by fatty signature analysis.
26. **Krill Behavior**: Krill perform vertical migrations at night to feed on plankton.
27. **Regalec's Mirror Skin**: Regalec's mirror-like skin may reflect krill lights to interfere with its prey.
28. **Night Dive Encounter**: A night dive encounter revealed Regalec ignores krill but catches unseen prey.
29. **Parasite Study**: Internal parasites in Regalec provide insights into its place in the food chain and potential predators.
30. **Nematode Species**: A nematode species found in Regalec is similar to one that uses marine mammals as hosts, suggesting Regalec is prey to deep-sea predators like sperm whales.
31. **Bioluminescence Discovery**: UV lamps revealed two fluorescent organs on Regalec's skull, potentially used for bioluminescence to attract prey.
32. **Diving Hazard**: Regalec's beauty can be deadly to divers, as it can lead them into deep, descending waters.