New species of ‘fiery’ fish with tentacles and sharp teeth discovered in the Pacific

Researchers on an expedition in the western Pacific Ocean near Japan and the Philippines have recently discovered a brightly colored new species of scorpionfish that has some very interesting features including tentacles and sharp teeth.

According to a study published earlier this month in the journal Science Ichthyological ResearchThrough miami heraldThe fish was collected as part of a sample of 38 samples of small fish ranging from about 1.5 inches to 3.5 inches in length. The new species was named Neomerinthe ignea or Pacific-flame scorpionfish, based on the Latin word for “fiery” because of their bright-orange color.

Although the creatures were initially confused with another similar species of Neomerinthe, they were eventually distinguished as a unique species by the 12 spines, 24 vertebrae, and unique scales and teeth on their dorsal-fins. In addition to their color, which ranges from bright orange to reddish white, the fish have dark spots on their bodies and their eyes have black pupils and spotted irises with black and yellow stripes radiating from the center.

Other recognizable characteristics include a “steep” snout, compressed body, and “large” mouth full of small, sharp teeth. The fish also have tentacles that cover their bodies ranging in size from “large” to “minute”, which are said to be especially dense near their heads and attached to their spines. .

Given that the depths of the ocean are vast and largely unknown, the latest discovery emphasizes how much we are still learning about the creatures lurking beneath the water’s surface.