New Crustacean Found Like a Furry Lobster

Crustacean is not unfamiliar to me as I am a student majoring in fisheries. But sure I can't know every crustacean. Recently a new crustacean (see the picture, AP photo hosted on IOL) was found by some diving lovers in the south waters of Easter Island in the South Pacific.

Divers have discovered a new crustacean in the South Pacific that resembles a lobster and is covered with what looks like silky, blonde fur, French researchers said on Tuesday.

Scientists said the animal, which they named Kiwa hirsuta, was so distinct from other species that they created a new family and genus for it.

The new crustacean is described in the journal of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris.

The animal is white and 15cm long - about the size of a salad plate.

In what Segonzac (of the French Institute for Sea Exploration) described as a "surprising characteristic", the animal's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands.

It is also blind. The researchers found it had only "the vestige of a membrane" in place of eyes, Segonzac said. (link)

Boing Boing also shows their curiosity--Bizarre looking crustacean discovered--on this animal

Tags: Crustacean