Psychedelic Hopping Fish Classified as New Discovery

A very unusual fish spotted laster year by scuba diving operators near Ambon Island in Indonesia has been proven to be unique.

University of Washington fish expert Ted Pietsch conducted DNA tests on the angler fish. Recently he confirmed through his analysis that indeed, it is a newly discovered species.

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The fish is peculiar in that it bounces off rocks and the seafloor while allowing itself to be buffeted around by currents rather than swimming in a straight line. Bouncing occurs as the fish pushes off objects it bumps against with fins, and also makes jets of water with its gills to propel it. This Univeristy of Washington page has many videos of the fish in action. It also has forward looking eyes, and no lure like that of a typical angler fish. The fish’s scientific name is H. psychedelica.

Image Credit: copyright David Hall/seaphotos.com

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