New Blenny Fish Discovered in Caribbean

A new species of blenny fish, Haptoclinus dropi, was recently discovered by Smithsonian researchers with the Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP). Coming in at a length of less than 1 inch, Haptoclinus dropi has a interesting color pattern and was found at a depth of 500 feet. The method of capture stands out as well. The researchers used a manned submersible with hydraulic arms. One of the sub's arms had a suction hose and they were able to place the fish in a cylinder outside the sub and return to the surface. Cool stuff from DROP. See link below for more.


New species Haptoclinus dropi. Credit: D. Ross Robertson and Carole C. Baldwin


Sub used to capture Haptoclinus dropi. Credit: Substation Curacao


More:
Deep Reef Observation Project (DROP) | Smithsonian Ocean Portal

http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1112866097/new-fish-species-found-in-caribbean-060513/

 

Cool! There's still so much more to discover out there!!!

 

500ft?!?!?!

Getting impressive.

 

Indeed!

Oops, meant to add this link as well for more details on the blenny fish:
New Fish Species Found 1,000 Feet Below Caribbean - Science News - redOrbit

I found it interesting that it was captured as 'by-catch' with something else they were catching.

 

I'll bet it was a Mermaid.LOL:
Cool fish!

 

In the bottom pic of the OP, the one with the sub, did you check out that Morae Eel?
Was that pic at 500ft?

Nice find, and it wan't even a 'designer- bred' fish!