White crustacean in a short furry skirt?

Divers have discovered a new animal in the South Pacific. It's so unique ("so unique" -- is that good English? "unique" seems strong enough) that they created a whole new family and genus for it!

New animal resembles furry lobster

PARIS, France (AP) -- Divers have discovered a new crustacean in the South Pacific that resembles a lobster and is covered with what looks like silky, blond fur, French researchers said Tuesday.

Scientists said the animal, which they named Kiwa hirsuta, was so distinct from other species that they created a new family and genus for it.

There's a picture of it on-line. Personally, I think it looks a little creepy.

They later describe it:

The animal is white and 15 centimeters (5.9 inches) long -- about the size of a salad plate.

It's funny that they use "salad plate" as their reference. It's as if they're just planning on devouring it once they get back to the lab.

Oh, and it's blind too. No eyes; just a membrane. It's probably because if it had eyes its own look would creep itself out. Creepy crustacean...

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