Scientists discover furry lobster!
 

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/science....ap/index.html

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

A team of American-led divers found the animal in waters 2,300 meters (7,540 feet) deep at a site 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) south of Easter Island last year, according to Michel Segonzac of the French Institute for Sea Exploration.

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

The animal is white and 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) long -- about the size of a salad plate.

In what Segonzac described as a "surprising characteristic," the animal's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands.

It's also blind. The researchers found it had only "the vestige of a membrane" in place of eyes, Segonzac said.

The researchers said that while legions of new ocean species are discovered each year, it is quite rare to find one that merits a new family.

The family was named Kiwaida, from Kiwa, the goddess of crustaceans in Polynesian mythology.

The diving expedition was organized by Robert Vrijenhoek of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California.

http://i.a.cnn.net/cnn/2006/TECH/sci...lobster.ap.jpg

Raph's Girl note: WTF?! :o

that is so amazing looking it's so awsome that they keep finding new things...it actully makes you believe in thigns again!:D :) :o

Man, this is so amazing! Imagine the amazing possibilities! And what will be next? A naked Bison or a snake with antlers? I'm so excited!

Or dogs with bees in their mouths and when they bark, they shoot bees at you! I wonder if dressing up as a fuzzy lobster will be the new crazy at Furry Cons everywhere this year. That would almost be worth a peek.

Let the yiffing begin! Furry Lobsters... intriguing idea.

And imagine this: Burning snakes with lasers on their heads! Oh, all these new animals are so exciting!

Looks like some weird offspring from a lobster and a spider... gah, creepy

lol, i dunno whats wierder the 2 headed snake or that Furby looking lobster thing lol but imagine what's next, a spider with human feet? a fish with glasses :lol:

I vote glasses-fish

Amazing. Now all we need to know is how to cook it and this baby will be on the endangered list before you can say "Sheldon" :blanksta: