Animals You May Not Have Known Existed

With an estimate of +- 8.7 million species, it is no wonder that we have so many beautiful creatures on this planet. With many species still not discovered, these photos reminds us of how awesome mother nature is and why we have to make it our priority to look after her.

The sad reality is that scientists estimate that between 150 and 200 species of life become extinct every 24 hours! This mass extinction is due, in large measure, to humankind’s unsustainable methods of production and consumption, including the destruction of habitats, expanding cities, pollution, deforestation, global warming and the introduction of “invasive species”.

Sea Pig
Scotoplanes live on deep ocean bottoms, specifically on the abyssal plain in the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Ocean, typically at depths of over 1000 meters. They are deposit feeders, and obtain food by extracting organic particles from deep-sea mud.

Okapi
This mammal is native to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in Central Africa. Despite the zebra-like stripes, it is actually more closely related to giraffes.

Thorny Dragon
Colored in camouflaging shades of desert browns, this lizard has a “false” head, which he presents to his predators by dipping the real one.

The Blue Parrotfish
This bright blue fish can be found in the waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and spends 80% of its time searching for food.

Glaucus Atlanticus
Also known as the blue dragon, this creature is a species of blue sea slug. You can find it in warm waters of the oceans. it normally floats on the surface because of a gas-filled sac in its stomach.

The Pacu Fish
You probably don’t need much explanation as to why the residents of Papua New Guinea call this fish a “ball cutter.” The local fishermen were really worried about the safety of their testicles when they had to get in the water!

Penis Snake
This, uhm… peculiar eyeless animal is actually called Atretochoana eiselti. It is a large, presumably aquatic, caecilian amphibian with a broad, flat head and a fleshy dorsal fin on the body.

Goblin Shark
Goblin sharks inhabit around the world at depths greater than 100 m (330 ft), with adults found deeper than juveniles. Given the depths at which it lives, the goblin shark poses no danger to humans.