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New species from depths of the ocean and animals rediscovered in the Himalayas: See them

A Laetmogone multiradiolus, or multi-rayed sea cucumber, in its natural habitat.
A Laetmogone multiradiolus, or multi-rayed sea cucumber, in its natural habitat. Photos from Xiao and Zhang (2025)

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 new discoveries:

‘Fanged’ creatures — discovered in the dark — are new species in Indonesia. See them

In the mountains streams of Indonesia, two new “fanged” creatures were discovered.
In the mountains streams of Indonesia, two new “fanged” creatures were discovered. Ryan 'O' Niel via Unsplash

In the Meratus mountain range of Indonesia, researchers discovered two new species of fanged frogs, Limnonectes maanyanorum and Limnonectes nusantara. These frogs were found under the cover of darkness along streams and are known for their distinctive vampire-like fangs. | Published Jan. 31 | Read More |

‘Elusive’ creature was missing in Himalayas for 91 years — until angler caught one

At the base of the Himalayas, a river creature was considered missing for more than eight decades.
At the base of the Himalayas, a river creature was considered missing for more than eight decades. Fardin sk via Unsplash

The Channa amphibeus, a snakehead fish thought to be extinct, was rediscovered in West Bengal, India, after being missing for 91 years. This rare fish, known for its vibrant colors and unique features, was found in the Kalimpong District, nestled between Nepal and Bhutan. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More |

Colorful creature found ‘basking’ in sun on uninhabited island. It’s a new species

A scientist found a “smooth” creature with colorful orange sides “basking” in the sun on an Australian island and discovered a new species.
A scientist found a “smooth” creature with colorful orange sides “basking” in the sun on an Australian island and discovered a new species. Photo from Hoskin (2025)

On Scawfell Island off Australia’s northeastern coast, a new species of skink, Lampropholis isla, was discovered basking in the sun. This vibrant lizard, known as the Scawfell Island sun skink, was found in the island’s rainforest areas. | Published Jan. 30 | Read More |

Spiky ‘large’-eyed creature found hunting near windmills in India. It’s a new species

Scientists found a spiky creature with “large” brown eyes hunting near a windmill farm and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a spiky creature with “large” brown eyes hunting near a windmill farm and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Sayyed, Khot and Purkayastha (2025)

In Maharashtra, India, a new species named Amarasinghe’s house gecko, or Hemidactylus amarasinghei, was found near the Chalkewadi Windmill Farm. This spiky, medium-sized gecko was discovered in rocky patches and is notable for its “large” brown eyes. | Published Feb. 3 | Read More |

‘Long’ purple sea creature — with 24 ‘feet’ — pulled from depths. It’s a new species

Below sea level, light shines under water
Below sea level, light shines under water Getty Images/iStockphoto

A new species of sea cucumber, Laetmogone multiradiolus, was discovered in the Kermadec Trench in the South Pacific Ocean. This “long,” purple creature with 24 tube feet was found 3.5 miles deep in the ocean. | Published Jan. 31 | 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 February 7, 2025 at 9:25 AM with the headline "New species from depths of the ocean and animals rediscovered in the Himalayas: See them."

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