There are, quite literally, millions of species on Earth. And yet researchers continue to find brand new creatures from all over. This seems to be especially true when it comes to animals that reside deep within the ocean. Just last year, a sea worm with a bristle-like body was discovered. Then there are the creepy creatures that somehow look like a mix between a skeleton and a panda.
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Now, there’s yet another new species discovered. This one, a new skate fish, was found deep within the Southwestern Indian Ocean. It falls under the class Chondrichthyes. Though you might be more familiar with the animal it often gets confused for: stingrays. (Note, the creature in the video below is not the same species as the newly discovered one.)
Although they are different in many ways, stingrays and skates do tend to look quite similar. Some of their most prominent physical differences include their size and teeth. More obvious, however, are their tails and fins. While stingrays have whip-like tails, skates have short, thick fins.
New Species of Skates Discovered in the Indian Ocean Catches the Attention of Biologists
Skates are typically found in either the Indian or Atlantic Ocean. With this newest discovery, there are now 14 known species of this genus. For some perspective, eight had been found by the 1970s/1980s, according to Dr. Simon Weigmann and his colleagues at the Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change.
These experts also say the “restricted distribution” of this new species is cause for concern. This has to do with their ability to survive in an area that is popular for fisheries. Still, this discovery is a good start to keeping our animal friends safe.
“However, further research is needed investigating its distribution, life history, population size and trends, and threats,” these experts explain. “This is essential for improved data collection and research, and for more effective conservation and management policy decisions.”
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