New Anglerfish
Posted on April 3rd, 2008 by blue collar scientistOne of the predictions of evolution is that transitional forms will be found in the fossil record. Another is that a variety of intermediate forms will be found in living creatures as well.
We’ve got some impressive transitional forms between fish and quadrupeds from the fossil record, notably Tiktaalik, and some living amphibians exhibit varying amounts of quadrupedal adaptation, to the point that you really have to be obstinate not to see it. And of course the lungfish and mudskippers are living examples of transitional-looking animals among the fish, as are the anglerfish, which have leg-like pectoral fins.
But now there’s another one - this time, an anglerfish without an angler, and, to judge from this picture at least, a particularly well developed “leg:”
This new species was discovered by Buck and Fitrie Randolph, who own a diving business - in other words, it is a rare example of the discovery of a new taxa by amateurs.
The full story and a bigger picture can be found here.
Tags: anglerfish, evolution, frogfish, transitional
