Rose-Veiled Fairy Wrasse

• Discovered: 2022

Some of the newest animal species have already been discovered in 2022 thus far as of this writing. One is known as the Rose-veiled fairy wrasse. It is quite a “cutesy” sounding name for an animal species. However, one could likely come to the conclusion based on how it looks that the name works just fine. University of Sydney Doctoral Student, Yi-Kai Tea claims that this was thought to be a widespread species of fish before now. Yet it was just recently found that it differed enough to be genetically different. Tea stated that this is one of the reasons properly describing taxonomy in general for new species is important.

Blanket Octopus

• Discovered: 2022

One version of the blanket octopus species was assumed to exist for twenty years now but is rare for people to see. That was until it was found by biologist Jacintha Shackelton on Lady Elliot Island in Australia in a rare sighting. At first, Shackleton assumed it was a juvenile fish with long fins but as they began to get closer it was confirmed to be a blanket octopus. Now proving this version of the species existed. The species’ name comes from the blankets that can be folded under the octopus’ arms to allow them to escape faster.

Where do We Find this Stuff? Here Are Our Sources:

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

National Institutes of Health

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)

United States Forestry Service

University of Wolverhampton

National Geographic

The Smithsonian

American Museum of Natural History

Australian Museum

USA Today

New York Times