Post #219509 by Trader Woody on Wed, Mar 8, 2006 5:01 AM

A 'new' lobsteresque creature, covered in 'hair' has been found 900 miles south of Easter Island.

"Marine biologists have discovered a crustacean in the South Pacific that resembles a lobster and which is covered in what looks like silky fur.
Kiwa hirsuta is so distinct from other species that scientists have created a new taxonomic family for it.

A US-led team found the animal last year in waters 2,300m (7,540ft) deep at a site 1,500km (900 miles) south of Easter Island, an expert has claimed.

In what he has described as a "surprising characteristic", the animal's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands.

It is also blind; the researchers found it had only "the vestige of a membrane" in place of eyes, Segonzac said.

The researchers said that while legions of new ocean species are discovered each year, it is quite rare to find one that merits a new family.

The family was named Kiwaida, from Kiwa, the goddess of crustaceans in Polynesian mythology."

See pic here:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/4785482.stm

Trader Woody