The universe seems never-ending to explore. Even though a lot of biodiversity has been discovered and studied, in fact this does not cover everything on earth. Reported Grungescientists estimate that there are still around 10-20 percent of species on earth that have not been explored.
Every year, researchers continue to carry out research efforts to explore this enormous biological wealth. They report that there are thousands of unique and surprising new species every year, both from flora and fauna groups.
So, what are the newest animal discoveries in 2023? These are some of the most interesting new animal species to know about. Read until the end.
1. Horaglanis populi, blind catfish from South India
New species of catfish Horaglanis populi (sci.news/CP Arjun)
In January 2023, researchers from Germany and India published the discovery of a new catfish species. They are said to be very unique, because they have characteristics that are very different from existing catfish species.
Morphologically, this catfish has a small body with a blood red color. They also appear to have no eyes so they are known as blind catfish. They live in very dark to total darkness with very low concentrations of nutrients and oxygen.
This species of catfish found in the groundwater aquifer in the state of Kerala, South India was then given a name Horaglanis people. This name was chosen as a form of appreciation for local residents who helped provide information and fish specimens to researchers. Where said “the people” is the genitive form of the word “populus”, which means human.
2. Isoxya collect, spider spider from Madagascar
Species see Isoxya manangona (entomologytoday.org/Agnarsson et al)
Another interesting discovery reported in early 2023 is a box flying spider from Madagascar, Africa. At that time researchers were studying different spider species in Madagascar. However, they accidentally saw a strange sight, namely a group of male spiders gathered and sharing a web together.
After observation, this species of spider turned out to be a type of box flying spider, which is a small web-spinning spider that is famous for its square back, bright color and spiny protrusions. However, after further research, they were a new species that was different from previously existing spider species.
Explained further, this type of flying spider has very strange behavior. They seem to like making spider gatherings. Where in the 22 “colonies” observed, each displayed up to 21 female webs in the middle of which there was a row of webs occupied by males for perching. Surprisingly, the male spiders did not show any aggression towards each other at all.
This is an amazing discovery because in the world of spiders it is rare to find spiders that are social. They tend to like to live alone and at worst can act as cannibals. This new species was then given a name Isoxya collect.
Also Read: 5 Animals That Can Talk to Humans, Elephants Are Also Included!
3. Polycirrus, the Japanese bioluminescent sea worm
Spesies cacing bioluminescenst Polycirrus onibi (nagoya-u.ac.jp/Naoto Jimi)
In the journal Royal Society Open Science published in March 2023, researchers from Nagoya University reported the discovery of three new species of worms capable of emitting bioluminescent light. The worm is given a name Polycirrus onibi, Polycirrus aoandan, dan Polycirrus ikeguchii.
These three new worm species are relatively small marine creatures. Often, they hide in mud, seagrass, or rock crevices. When disturbed, they can emit their characteristic bluish-purple glow.
These characteristics remind researchers of the yokai ghost figures that are popular among Japanese society, namely onibi (fire demon) and aoandan (yokai lantern). This is why they got that name.
Species Polycirrus ikeguchii is the name chosen to honor Shinichiro Ikeguchi, one of Japan’s most influential marine biologists and former director of the Notojima Aquarium. Please note, Notojima is also the area where the research specimens were collected.
4.Gorareduvius sp., Australian killer insect
Research on the Australian assassin insect species Goareduvius sp. (royalsocietypublishing/Fernando G. Soley, Marie E. Herberstein)
In April 2023, researchers from Macquarie University Australia also reported the discovery of a new assassin insect species. This insect is highlighted for its intelligent behavior. They are able to use prey-catching tools made from plant resin.
In observations made, these insects, both male and female, scrape the resin from blades of grass spinifex–a type of grass that produces sticky resin. After that, they rubbed it on parts of their body, especially the front legs. It is used to catch prey.
When they don’t use resin, apparently their ability to catch their prey becomes less effective. Therefore, it is classified as a new species because its behavior has not been described previously. The discovery of this new assassin insect species was published in the journal Biology Letters.
5. Hyperolius ukaguruensis, a “quiet” frog from Tanzania
Appearance of a new species of frog Hyperolius ukaguruensis (journal.plos.org/Lucinda P. Lawson, Simon P. Pemuaat, John V. Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke)
In general, frogs will make noisy sounds to attract the attention of their mates. However, this is different from the new frog species discovered in the Ukaguru Mountains, Tanzania.
In the journal PLOS ONE In 2023, researchers reported the discovery of a new species of voiceless frog. According to research observations, male frogs of this species have small spine structures in their throats that function like Braille letters. This is what frogs use to “communicate” and attract female frogs.
Once identified, this frog is included in the genus Hyperolius. They have a striking golden body color. This new frog species was later named Hyperolius ukaguruensisafter the name of the place of discovery
6. Promachocrinus fragarius, feather star from Antarctica
New feather star species Promachocrinus fragarius (businessinsider.com/Greg W. Rouse)
Deep in the Pacific Ocean, researchers have also succeeded in exploring an interesting new species of echinoderm. They are Promachocrinus fragarius or also known as the Antarctic Strawberry feather star.
Promachocrinus fragarius is a group crinoid (feather star) which is closely related to sea stars, sea urchins, sand dollars, and sea cucumbers. They get the nickname “strawberries” because their bodies resemble the fruit.
Uniquely, when they are in the water, they actually look like very strange aliens. However, after being enlarged, the body structure appears wavy, similar to a strawberry.
Apart from their body shape, they also attract attention from the number of arms and tentacles (cirri). They have 20 arms with many smaller tentacles. When moving, this arm will stretch upwards and cirriIt points downwards to help it stick to the sea floor.
Initially, this species was identified as one species with Promachocrinus kerguelensis. However, researchers found many differences in color, shape and DNA data between the species. Therefore, Promachocrinus fragarius put into a separate species.
Also read: 5 animals that are resistant to cancer, the secret behind them is very unique!
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2023-12-12 01:06:00
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