French Journal Says New Crustacean Found

Breitbart (AP) ^ | 3/7/2006 | AP staff

[wjersey]

PARIS

Divers have discovered a new crustacean in the South Pacific that resembles a lobster and is covered with what looks like silky, blonde 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 genus and new family for it.

A team of American-led divers found the animal in waters 7,540 feet deep at a site 900 miles south of Easter Island last year, according to Michel Segonzac of the French Institute for Sea Exploration, or IFREMER.

The new crustacean is described in the journal of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. The animal is white and 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. The diving expedition was organized by Robert Vrijenhoek of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in California.

[Liberty Valance]

Mmmmmm. Looks tasty to me ;o)

[dynachrome]

This looks kind of South Parkish. Ugly looking critter.

[PatrickHenry]

Hairy blonde lobster ...

Peltdown Lobster!

[loganphive]

It looks like it's wearing an old "Earth, Wind and Fire" costume. Cool.

[AndrewB]

If you want something done...

[Lovely-Day-For-A-Guinness]

I've noticed that some of the ugliest fish and crustaceans are among the best eating.

You aren't kidding.

One look at a tasty treat from the briney depths, the monkfish/goosefish, makes you wonder who was the first to have a mouthful of that ghastly looking beast. It was probably done on a dare by a bunch of drunken sailors.

[lesser_satan]

That's one bizarre critter.

[Farmer Dean]

I wonder if she could get a walk-on part in the next Harry Potter movie?

[Diana in Wisconsin]

"Just think of the first people who ate crabs, lobsters, artichokes etc."

Are Rocky Mountain Oysters on that list? Ick!

Actually, once anything is cleaned up, boiled or steamed, batter fried or drenched in butter it's edible in my book. ;)

(And I love Escargot. I mean, who would think to eat a snail of all creatures? LOL!)

[Shaun_MD]

Looks like something you would catch in a rather seedy bar.

[mewzilla]

It looks like a furry water louse.

[VadeRetro]

But is it good with butter sauce?

[rintense]

Dude. Rust on an old rifle does NOT count as a new crustacean.

[capt. norm]

Tourists to Florida are always asking why it is against the law to feed the dolphins. One reason is that many visitors are not exactly sure about what a dolphin looks like:

"Good boy Flipper! Marge, hand me some more of those tuna salad sandwiches."

If you're a resident of Florida in an area that gets a lot of visitors, this is not strike you unusual.

[orionblamblam]

> . The diving expedition was organized by Robert Vrijenhoek ...

Hmmm.

Robert Vrijenhoek

R Vrijenhoek

RVrijenhoek

Rvrijenhoek

Rijenhoek

Renhoek

Ren hoek

Ren Hoëk

Did they also discover Muddy Mudskipper? How about a Crocostimpy?

[Bean Counter]

Q. What do a shrimp, a crab, and a lobster all have in common with a Chinese guy who was just hit by a bus?

A. They are all crustaceans (crushed asians...)

[Zetman]

From the headline, I thought this story was going to be about Teddy Kennedy!!

[muir_redwoods]

"It makes me reflect that history is full of either very brave or very desperately hungry people. Just think of the first people who ate crabs, lobsters, artichokes etc."

The most interesting cuisines come from cultures that have endured famine.

[NewJerseyJoe]

> Corrected headline: Americans find new crustacean. The french were just along for the ride.

Corrected corrected headline: Americans find new crustacean. French are invited along to develop a new sauce to go with it.   <g>

[ArrogantBustard]

Morimoto has already thought up half a dozen ways to cook it.