‘Armored’ creatures with ‘whip’ tails and four other new species discoveries

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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.

Learn more about some recent new species discoveries:

‘Armored’ creature with ‘whip’-like tail pulled from river. It’s a new species

In southeastern Brazil, researchers discovered a new species named Rineloricaria buckupi, or Buckup’s whiptail catfish, in the rivers near Rio de Janeiro. This “armored” catfish, covered in body plates and sporting a “whip”-like tail, was found in shallow streams often near bridges and highways. | Published May 30 | Read More |

Camouflaged creature found in ‘sacred forests’ of Madagascar. It’s a new species

In the “sacred forests” of southern Madagascar, scientists discovered the Paragehyra tsaranoro, or Tsaranoro half-padded gecko. This camouflaged creature, with its “flattened” body and “rounded” snout, was found in forest fragments surrounding the Andringitra Massif. The species is considered critically endangered due to its limited distribution and ongoing habitat threats. | Published June 2 | Read More |

‘Large’-tongued creature found in water tank at India home. It’s a new species

In northeastern India, researchers discovered the Amolops shillong, or Shillong cascade frog, perched inside a water tank in the city of Shillong. These frogs, with “large” tongues and “fluorescent green” sides, were found in urban habitats, showcasing their adaptation to human-modified environments. The species faces threats due to being harvested for its meat. | Published June 3 | Read More |

2-foot-long ocean predator with ‘blade-like’ teeth discovered as a new species

Off the southern coast of India, scientists identified a new species called Iago gopalakrishnani, or the Indian houndshark, after it was accidentally caught by shrimp trawlers. This deep-sea predator, with “blade-like” teeth and “slender” bodies, was found in the Arabian Sea. The species is named in honor of a marine fish geneticist for his contributions to fish conservation. | Published June 4 | Read More |

Pregnant creature with ‘large’ golden eyes found in Cambodia. It’s a new species

In western Cambodia, researchers discovered the Cyrtodactylus kampingpoiensis, or Kamping Poi bent-toed gecko, on rocky karst hills in the Banan District. This gecko, with “large” golden eyes and “bent” toes, was found in unexplored rock formations, indicating the region’s undocumented biodiversity. The species was named after the hill where it was first discovered. | Published June 4 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery and sightings of unusual and intriguing species. Check back for the latest stories.

This story was originally published June 6, 2025 at 1:26 PM with the headline "‘Armored’ creatures with ‘whip’ tails and four other new species discoveries."