In a recent interview with fish scientist Graham Short, he discussed the discovery of a new species of fish named Solenostomus snuffleupagus. The fish was first spotted by scientist David Harasti during a diving expedition in Papua New Guinea in 2003. However, it took another two decades for Harasti and Short to find the elusive fish again, study it, and officially classify it as a new species.
Short, an ichthyologist at the California Academy of Sciences and the Australian Museum, explained the process of naming the fish after the beloved Sesame Street character, Mr. Snuffleupagus, affectionately called “Snuffy.” The newly described S. snuffleupagus was detailed in a paper published in the journal Fish Biology, highlighting its characteristics as a ghost pipefish that camouflages itself as red algae along coral reefs.
The fish’s appearance, with its orange-brown color, long filaments resembling shaggy hair, and elephant-like snout, drew comparisons to its namesake. Marine biologist Milton Love emphasized the significance of natural selection in shaping the fish’s unique features, jokingly suggesting a humorous explanation for its design.
Despite its endearing resemblance to Snuffleupagus, the fish shares significant differences and characteristics. Short and Harasti’s perseverance in locating the fish paid off in 2021 when they finally rediscovered it on the Great Barrier Reef after years of searching. The excitement of their find was palpable, as they celebrated their underwater encounter with the elusive creature.
To confirm the fish as a new species, CT scans of specimens collected in 1993 were analyzed, supporting the suspicion that it was a previously unknown species. Sightings of S. snuffleupagus in various locations across the southwestern Pacific were also confirmed through the iNaturalist platform. Despite its petite size, roughly four to five centimeters long, the fish exhibits predatory behavior, feeding on small fish rather than just crustaceans as previously assumed.
The widespread interest in S. snuffleupagus has been met with enthusiasm by Short, who hinted at future discoveries of unnamed species in the ghost pipefish family. As they continue their research, Short and his colleague have their sights set on unveiling another muppet-inspired species, keeping the scientific community eagerly awaiting their next find.
