From pet aquariums to the reefs of Bora-Bora: See the latest new species

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 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 of the best new discoveries:

‘Long’-limbed creature with bright yellow belly found lurking. It’s a new species

In western Thailand, scientists discovered a new species of gecko named Cnemaspis enneaporus, or the Sai Yok rock gecko, while exploring a karst forest. These geckos have slender bodies, large eyes, and distinct coloring, with males displaying a bright yellow belly. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Sai Yok District, where these geckos were found. | Published Feb. 7 | Read More |

Sleeping creature with ‘dagger-like spines’ found in Vietnam. It’s a new species

In the forests of southern Vietnam, researchers discovered a new species of lizard called Acanthosaura cuongi, or Cuong’s horned tree lizard. These lizards are moderately-sized with “dagger-like spines” and varying colors, blending well with their surroundings. The species was named in honor of Vietnamese researcher Cuong The Pham for his contributions to herpetological research. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More |

‘Vivid’ green creature — with beefed-up forearms — is new species in China. See it

In southern China, a new species of frog called Amolops gudao, or the Gudao Cascade frog, was discovered in the Gaoligong Mountains. These medium-sized frogs have “vivid” green skin with black spots and notably robust forearms. The species was named after the Southern Silk Road, reflecting its historical significance. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More |

Scuba diver spots ‘spaghetti’-like creature — and discovers new species in Bora-Bora

A marine biologist discovered a new species of marine worm, Loimia poraporaensis, or the Porapora spaghetti worm, while diving in Bora-Bora. These worms have long white tentacles and live in tubes made of coral fragments. The species was named after Bora-Bora, where it was first found, and plays a critical role in marine ecosystems. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More |

‘Armored’ river creature found in pet aquariums worldwide turns out to be new species

In Brazil’s Xingu River, researchers identified a new species of catfish, Hypancistrus seideli, or Seidel’s armored catfish, known for its maze-like pattern and popularity in aquariums. These medium-sized catfish have armor-like plates and large eyes, with a distinctive color pattern. The species was named in honor of aquarist Ingo Seidel for his contributions to the field. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More |

McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.

This story was originally published February 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM with the headline "From pet aquariums to the reefs of Bora-Bora: See the latest new species."