New Crustacean discovered by divers named Kiwa Hirsuta

A new oceanic species that resembles a hairy lobster has been discovered in waters 7,450 feet deep just south of Easter island.

10 March 2006
MUMBAI, INDIA

In over 100 years, a new family and genus has been discovered by scientists. A team of American-led divers exploring the hydrothermal vents of the South Pacific’s Pacific Antarctic Ridge came across a six-inch long creature resembling an albino lobster at a depth of 7,450 feet. A team of French researchers named the crustacean Kiwa hirsuta. The family was named Kiwaida, from Kiwa, the goddess of crustaceans in Polynesian mythology.

The new crustacean is described in the journal of the National Museum of Natural History in Paris. The researchers said that while new ocean species are discovered all the time, Kiwa’s entirely unique and unusual appearance has merited the creation of a whole new genus and family.

The white lobster-like creature has long, silky blonde hair-like strands covering its pincers. The crustacean is also blind. In place of eyes, the creature has only the vestige of a membrane.

The researchers have speculated that the extent of Kiwa Hirsuta's habitat distribution may be limited by the geographical features of the Pacific-Antarctic Ridge.