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From the bottom of the sea to amateur aquariums: Take a look at the latest new species

By Stories by Real-Time news team, with AI summarization
Some new species were hiding in plain site in household aquariums, researchers said.
Some new species were hiding in plain site in household aquariums, researchers said. Yosuke Ota via Unsplash

The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Learn more about some of the best discoveries of the new year:

‘Large’-mouthed river creature — kept as aquarium pet — turns out to be new species

Scientists found a “large”-mouthed river creature, sometimes kept as aquarium pet, in Zambia and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a “large”-mouthed river creature, sometimes kept as aquarium pet, in Zambia and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Adrian Indermaur

In the Lufubu River in Zambia, a “large”-mouthed fish known as Salzburg’s cichlid was identified as a new species. This fish, which has been popular among aquarium enthusiasts, was discovered to have unique physical features and DNA distinct from other known species. | Published Jan. 8 | Read More |

Deep-sea drill in South China Sea uncovers creature — and reveals ancient new species

Deep below the surface of the South China Sea, an undiscovered species sat in the sediment for thousands of years before its discovery.
Deep below the surface of the South China Sea, an undiscovered species sat in the sediment for thousands of years before its discovery. Brian Aitkenhead via Unsplash

A deep-sea drilling expedition in the South China Sea uncovered a fossilized shell of a gastropod, revealing a new species named Provanna dongshaensis. This ancient species was found in sediment dating back to the Late Pleistocene era. | Published Jan. 3 | Read More |

‘Large’ forest creature found lurking at abandoned home in China. It’s a new species

Scientists found a “large” forest creature with “long” limbs at an abandoned house in Yunnan and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a “large” forest creature with “long” limbs at an abandoned house in Yunnan and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Felis Amafeles via Unsplash

In China’s Nangunhe National Nature Reserve, scientists discovered the Nangunhe bent-toed gecko, a new species of lizard. This gecko, with its distinct reticulated pattern, was found on rocks and tree trunks, as well as on the wall of an abandoned house. | Published Jan. 7 | Read More |

‘Extremely yellow’ creature caught off Pacific island. See the new ‘duckbill’ species

Off the coast of New Caledonia in the south Pacific, two new species of small fish were discovered.
Off the coast of New Caledonia in the south Pacific, two new species of small fish were discovered. Raelle Gann-Owens via Unsplash
Two new species of signalfish, including the yellow duckbill signalfish, were discovered in the waters around New Caledonia. These small, spiny fish are notable for their bright yellow dorsal coloration. | Published Jan. 2 | Read More |

Brightly colored creature — kept in pet aquariums globally — discovered as new species

Scientists bought a popular blue animal from a pet trader and discovered a new species from Indonesia, a study said. Photo shows a representative pet market.
Scientists bought a popular blue animal from a pet trader and discovered a new species from Indonesia, a study said. Photo shows a representative pet market. Photo from Y K yokeboy via Unsplash
The dusty crayfish, a new species, was identified from a shipment of Indonesian crayfish in the Czech Republic. Known for its vibrant colors, this crayfish has been a popular pet for years without formal scientific classification. | Published Jan. 9 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

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This story was originally published January 13, 2025 at 12:31 PM with the headline "From the bottom of the sea to amateur aquariums: Take a look at the latest new species."

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