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Prehistoric predators and creatures of the Antarctic: See latest new species

By Stories by Real-Time News team, with AI summarization
Scientists found a sea creature with “large” pores on its throat off of Antarctica and discovered a new species, a study said.
Scientists found a sea creature with “large” pores on its throat off of Antarctica and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Derek Oyen via Unsplash

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 being discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses.

Take a look at some recent new species discoveries:

Sea creature with ‘large’ throat pores found off Antarctica. It’s a new species

The underside of the head of an Ophthalmolycus kosmonautis, or Cosmonauts Sea eelpout.
The underside of the head of an Ophthalmolycus kosmonautis, or Cosmonauts Sea eelpout. Photo from Nazarkin (2025), shared by Mikhail Nazarkin

In the depths off Antarctica, researchers identified a new species called the Cosmonauts Sea eelpout, or Ophthalmolycus kosmonautis. These fish, caught during a Soviet Antarctic Research Program in 1989, feature “large” sensory pores on their throats and are chocolate-brown in color. The eelpouts, found at about 1,000 feet deep, remain largely mysterious due to their rarity. | Published Sept. 11 | Read More |

‘Fierce-toothed’ creature — 241 million years old — is new prehistoric species

The little reptile had relatively large teeth for its group that could pierce through insects’ exoskeleton.
The little reptile had relatively large teeth for its group that could pierce through insects’ exoskeleton. Bob Nicholls Natural History Museum

In Sidmouth, England, paleontologists unearthed a new prehistoric species, Agriodontosaurus helsbypetrae, from the Helsby Sandstone Formation. This “fierce-toothed” lizard relative, dating back 241 million years, challenges previous beliefs about lizard evolution. The fossil’s remarkable preservation provides insights into ancient reptilian life. | Published Sept. 11 | Read More |

‘Banjo’-shaped creature found ‘buried’ in Argentina riverbed. It’s a new species

An Ernstichthys casalinuovoi, or Casalinuovo’s banjo catfish.
An Ernstichthys casalinuovoi, or Casalinuovo’s banjo catfish. Photo from the American Society of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists via DOI: 10.1643/i2024072

In the Bermejo River basin of Argentina, scientists discovered Casalinuovo’s banjo catfish, or Ernstichthys casalinuovoi. This new species, with its “banjo”-shaped body and small eyes, was found in “fast-flowing waters” and sandy riverbeds. Named after an Argentinian ichthyologist, the catfish adds to the region’s biodiversity “hotspot.” | Published Sept. 12 | Read More |

‘Cryptic’ nocturnal creature seen ‘crawling’ over rocks is new species in Vietnam

In life, the Duy Tan wolf snake has a reddish belly and “pinkish-orange” bands down its body, researchers said.
In life, the Duy Tan wolf snake has a reddish belly and “pinkish-orange” bands down its body, researchers said. Tan Van Nguyen ZooKeys

In Vietnam, researchers identified a new species of wolf snake, Lycodon duytan, known for its “cryptic” resemblance to other species. This nocturnal snake, adorned with “pinkish-orange” crossbands, was found in various habitats, including evergreen forests and limestone streams. Despite its wide distribution, the Duy Tan wolf snake remains rare within its habitat. | Published Sept. 15 | Read More |

‘Secretive’ creature found buried under rotten log in Vietnam. It’s a new species

Anna’s blind skink is worm-like and has only remnants of hindlegs.
Anna’s blind skink is worm-like and has only remnants of hindlegs. Screengrab from Tan Van Nguyen’s Facebook post

In Vietnam’s Kon Ka Kinh National Park, a new species of blind skink, Dibamus annae, was discovered under a rotten log. These worm-like lizards, part of the ancient Dibamidae family, are known for their “fossorial” lifestyle and reduced eyes. The discovery highlights the importance of conserving Vietnam’s montane forests, which harbor unique and threatened species. | Published Sept. 16 | Read More |

This story was originally published September 19, 2025 at 1:08 PM with the headline "Prehistoric predators and creatures of the Antarctic: See latest new species."

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