Posted on 03/08/2006 3:51:21 PM PST by Ultra Sonic 007
Marine biologists have discovered a crustacean in the South Pacific that resembles a lobster or crab covered in what looks like silky fur. Kiwa hirsuta is so distinct from other species that scientists have created a new taxonomic family for it.
A US-led team found the animal last year in waters 2,300m (7,540ft) deep at a site 1,500km (900 miles) south of Easter Island, an expert has claimed.
Details appear in the journal of Paris' National Museum of Natural History.
The diving expedition was organised by Robert Vrijenhoek of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California.
The "Yeti Crab", as it has been dubbed, is white and 15cm (5.9in) long, according to Michel Segonzac of the French Research Institute for Exploitation of the Sea (Ifremer).
In what he has described as a "surprising characteristic", the animal's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands. It seems to reside around some Pacific deep sea hydrothermal vents, which spew out fluids that are toxic to many animals.
(Excerpt) Read more at news.bbc.co.uk ...
I prefer my seafood sans fur.
Well, is it good eatin' with melted butter??
How does it do for "lobster salad"????
It's probably hideously poisonous or toxic or something....
Trust me you need this.
I don't mind a bearded clam every now and then....
They got ONE? Very interisting though.
How 'bout cooking preferences - boiled vs. baked.
Oh Lord, me, too! I was getting ready to eat some crawfish when they showed a picture of this "thing" on TV and I just about barfed. Had to put my lunch back in the fridge for later.
It looks so, so... 70s?!
You learn something new every day.
Sorry, no new speices. It's still a crab. Science gets such a thrill out naming things as new.
Ummm, waiter!?! There is a hair in my bisque!
Take it back to the kitchen! 8>)
That is one of the weirdest creatures I've ever seen.
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