Several new sources are reporting the identification of a new species of fish, first discovered by a scuba diver in Indonesia over a year ago.  According to a recent National Geographic web article, the new species,  identified as Hystiophyrne psychedelica, is a member of the  anglerfish family and shares many of the traits of the frogfish, a well known member of that family.  Confirmed and identified through DNA testing as a new species by researcher  Ted Pietsch, this is a surprise addition to a family of fish that were thought to be extensively explored and understood.  Finding a new species in such a well-researched family of fish is rare and unique, and the traits of this new fish are especially unique.

The new fish uses its fins in a form of  “walking” like other members of the family.  However, there are also considerable differences from other frogfish discovered.  The “psychedelic” fish appears to “bounce” around as a means of propulsion.  When the fish settles to the bottom, is uses its fins to spring back into the water column, while simultaneously squiring jets of water from tiny gills.  This jet action propels the fish forward.  These unique propulsion methods, combined with the strange off-centered tail, makes the fish appear as if it is bouncing around at random.  Mark Erdman, a senior adviser to the Conservation International’s marine program, said, “I think people thought frogfishes were relatively well known, and to get a new one like this is really quiet spectacular. … It’s a stunning animal.” The new H psychedelica “psychedelic” fish is fist sized, has a tough skin for protection, and features a flat face with frontal eyes much like a human.

For additional information about this new fish, visit the National Geographic source article.  Photograph by National Geographic.

Phil Ellis

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