News Blog

Feb 27, 2009 03:43 PM in Environment | 2 comments

Meet H. psychedelica, a new species of fish

By Jordan Lite

 
e-mail print comment

We wouldn’t mind swimmin' with these fishes.

Check out Histiophryne psychedelica, a new species named for its crazy tan and peach stripes, and lackadaisical style of getting around the seafloor, which resembles hopping more than swimming. The fish is described in this month's issue of the journal Copeia.

No other fish is known to "hop," study co-author Ted Pietsch, a curator of fish at the University of Washington's Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, said in a statement. Divers first spotted the fish in January 2008 in the harbor of Ambon Island, Indonesia.

The fist-size fishies are covered with thick folds of skin that scientists think protect them while they're hunting for food amid sharp coral. Their tails are curled to one side, which may affect their ability to steer—hence, their bouncing mode of transportation.

Like chameleons, members of the anglerfish order typically change their color to blend into their environment—but H. psychedelica doesn't. David Hall, another co-author, believes the trippy fish may instead be mimicking corals.

Psychedelic, man!

 

Image of Histiophryne psychedelica © David Hall/seaphotos.com

Video courtesy of the University of Washington

Read More About: fish, Indonesia, coral

Share
Propeller    Digg!  Reddit delicious  Fark 
Slashdot    RT @sciam Meet H. psychedelica, a new species of fishTwitter Review it on NewsTrust 
sharebar end

You Might Also Like


Discuss This Article


Click here to submit your comment.

VIEW:

2,573 characters remaining
 
  Email me when someone responds to this discussion.
 

risk free issuefree gift

Sciam - cover Email:
Name:
Address:
Address 2:
City:
State:  
spacer



Most Popular Blog Posts


Editor's Pick

  • Adapting to the Freshwater CrisisForward-thinking experts are getting a better handle on the growing global water shortage and coming up with innovative approaches to ensuring the security, safety and sustainability of this resource

Newsletter

Environment Newsletter

Get weekly coverage delivered to your inbox


 Podcasts

  • 60-Second Earth     RSS  · iTunes The Jellyfish Menace
    click to enable

    Download

  • 60-Second Science     RSS  · iTunes Plants Share Light If Neighbor Is Related
    click to enable

    Download





ADVERTISEMENT
 
 


Also on Scientific American


© 1996-2009 Scientific American Inc. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited.
ADVERTISEMENT