We are continuing on our adventure with the Conservation International’s RAP crew as they explore some of the world’s most unique species. Earlier this week we took to the sky to look at soaring species, now we are diving deep into a mysterious underwater world. Get ready to jump into this collection which features species discovered by RAP and a few rare bonus animals.

Walking Shark (Hemiscyllium Galei)

Walking Shark. Copyright Gerald Allen

Where RAP found us: Cenderawasih Bay in Indonesia in 2006

Are we a new or rare species: New

What we look like: Bamboo sharks measuring about 57 cm. We differ from other Bamboo sharks by the white spots and black splotches on our backs.

Why we’re interesting: We prefer to use our fins to walk along shallow reef flats instead of swimming. When we do swim it is to go to the surface and show off our size and then swim back to our homes among the coral.

The Flasher Wrasse (Paracheilinus Nursalim)

Flasher wrasse. Copyright Gerald Allen

Where RAP found us: West Papua, Indonesia in 2006 by the FakFak/Kaimana RAP

Are we a new or rare species: New

What we look like: Males are about 5 cm and females are about 3 cm. We have more yellow orange on our bodies than most other Paracheilinus species (which usually have red and orange bodies)

Why we’re interesting: When trying to attract female attention, males’ bodies flash with glowing colours. We also have unique mouths and lips that help us feed, breathe and use suction to attach to things.

Suckermouth Catfish (Pseudancistrus Kwinti)

Suckermouth_catfish. Copyright Phil Willink

Where RAP found us: Coppername River in Suriname 2005

Are we a new or rare species: New

What we look like: Males measure about 9.4 cm and we all have large sucker mouths

Why we’re interesting: We are named after the Kwinti people who live along the river. Our large mouths allow us to stay glued to objects even in rushing water. We feed on invertebrates and algae

BONUS Animals that Swim

Humphead Wrasse (Cheilinus Undulatus)

Cheilinus undulatus. Copyright Patryk Krzyza

Where we can be found: Throughout the Indo-Pacific Oceans

Are we a new or rare species: Rare – we are listed as endangered

What we look like: A large fish with big lips and a hump on our foreheads. We can grow to 229 cm and weigh up to 191 kg.

Why we’re interesting: We are the largest member of the wrasse family. We use our tough teeth to eat animals with really hard shells. Unfortunately, we are one of the few fish that damage coral reefs. We can also live a long time, at least 30 years!

Siamese Crocodile (Crocodylus siamensis)

Siamese crocodiles. Jerusalem Biblical Zoo

Where we can be found: Along rivers in the rainforests and in swamps or lagoons in Cambodia

Are we a new or rare species: Rare – extinct or nearly extinct in all countries except in Cambodia

What we look like: Freshwater crocodile with a broad snout and a bump behind each eye

Why we’re interesting: We are shy, unaggressive and one of the most endangered crocodiles in the wild. We eat mainly fish, but we also like reptiles, amphibians and small mammals. We have been known to live up to 22 years old while living in captivity.

Check back soon to see the next group of rare and newly discovered species, which will feature animals that love to climb!

Source:

http://www.smugmug.com/gallery/16582998_dHjbS#1249289717_hin45

http://www.eol.org/pages/795275

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=63706

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?id=63704

http://www.fishbase.org/summary/SpeciesSummary.php?genusname=Pseudancistrus&speciesname=kwinti

http://www.eol.org/pages/224260

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