Buzz
While humans are part of the animal kingdom, only a small number of us are eager to study the creatures that share our world. Scientists rely on animals to explore topics ranging from evolutionary biology to medical breakthroughs. However, many of the creatures they find essential for research appear unsettling or bizarre to the average person. Below is a list of animals that researchers are eager to study—but most of us would rather avoid.
10. Almiqui
Discovered in 1836, the almiqui remains one of the rarest animals, with only thirty-five individuals ever captured. Belonging to the solenodon family, which has existed for seventy-six million years, its scarcity and status as an endangered species make it a prized subject for scientists, despite its peculiar appearance.
For most people, this creature is nothing short of terrifying. Its bizarre appearance, resembling a failed genetic experiment (perhaps a mix between an anteater and an opossum?), is unsettling enough. Adding to its fearsome reputation, its saliva is venomous, which it uses to immobilize its prey.
9. Hagfish
Hagfish are undeniably repulsive. Their bodies are coated in slime, and they tie themselves into grotesque knots to baffle predators. Even sharks struggle to deal with the sheer unpleasantness of these slimy creatures.
No sane individual would ever want to come close to one. Scientists, however, are the exception.
Scientists hold hagfish in high regard because they recognize their crucial role in our existence. Had their ancestors not survived the Cambrian Period's mass extinction, life as we know it might not exist. These ancient creatures were among the earliest chordates, meaning they possessed a primitive backbone. Without them, the evolution of vertebrates might never have occurred.
8. Plainfin Midshipman
While many fish are unattractive, the Plainfin Midshipman takes ugliness to another level.
Researchers are fascinated by these fish for an unusual reason. During mating season, male Plainfin Midshipman produce a humming sound to attract females, despite lacking vocal cords. This droning serenade is so intense that people living near their breeding grounds have complained it drowns out human conversations and disrupts sleep.
Before scientists uncovered that this seemingly silent fish could produce sounds, speculation ran wild. Some believed the mysterious hum came from submarines or covert government projects. Now, researchers are delving into how the Plainfin Midshipman generates its haunting melodies.
7. Forcepfly
The recently identified forcepfly, true to its name, has sparked excitement in the scientific world over the past month. Its genitalia resemble forceps, appearing capable of inflicting serious damage.
The scientific community is abuzz with the discovery of a new species in this unsettling insect family. This marks only the third known species in its group, a fact that might dismay those who aren’t fond of bugs.
6. Purple Frog
This unsettling purple creature is something you’d instinctively avoid. Despite its odd appearance, it boasts an impressive history: it once shared the Earth with dinosaurs.
This peculiar amphibian is a scientific marvel, described by one researcher as a “once-in-a-century” find. Discovered just ten years ago in India’s mountains, the purple frog stands out as a true oddity. Unlike most new species, it is completely unrelated to any known species, making it a unique and, admittedly, unattractive specimen.
5. Naked Mole Rat
Your first thought upon seeing a naked mole rat is likely: “What on Earth is that creature?”
Despite its unsettling appearance, this East African underground dweller is a subject of great scientific interest. Researchers are captivated by its unique biological traits.
The naked mole rat defies typical aging processes. Unlike other rodents, it enjoys a remarkably long lifespan of around thirty years. Additionally, its body shows minimal signs of aging, maintaining bone density, reproductive ability, and cognitive function throughout its life. These traits make it a valuable subject for aging research. Moreover, the naked mole rat appears to be resistant to cancer. Perhaps we could learn a thing or two from them—if we can overlook their looks.
4. Lamprey
Among the various species of lamprey, the most infamous (and frightening) is one that resembles a massive leech. The phrase “giant leech” might sound like a low-budget horror film, but these creatures are very much real. Lampreys attach themselves to any available host and drain blood relentlessly.
In 2006, a 360-million-year-old lamprey fossil was unearthed, confirming its status as a living fossil. Scientists use lampreys to study topics ranging from evolutionary biology to ancient behavioral patterns. Despite their scientific significance, the thought of these bloodsuckers lurking nearby is enough to make anyone think twice before swimming.
3. Santino The Chimp
Santino, a chimpanzee residing at Sweden’s Furuvik Zoo, is no ordinary chimp—he’s notorious for his mischievous behavior. In 2010, Santino began pelting zoo visitors with rocks, an act that, while unusual, isn’t entirely unexpected for a chimp.
What makes Santino truly remarkable is how he improved his rock-throwing skills. He started stashing rocks around his enclosure, concealing them under hay and behind boulders within easy reach. He would then wait for the zoo to fill with visitors before launching his attacks. Researchers are fascinated by Santino’s behavior, as it demonstrates foresight, an understanding of cause and effect, and planning abilities—traits often considered uniquely human.
For the rest of us, Santino’s intelligence is more unsettling than impressive. If he can orchestrate such calculated attacks, how long before chimps potentially organize a rebellion against humanity? It’s a chilling thought.
2. Frilled Shark
What could be more terrifying than a hybrid of a shark and an eel? Only one thing, given that we’re down to the final entry on this list.
The frilled shark, like other living fossils, has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years. Sightings of this elusive creature are so rare that any photograph of it becomes a major scientific event.
In addition to its eerie appearance, this shark boasts three hundred razor-sharp teeth arranged in twenty-five rows and can grow up to five feet long. No big deal, right?
1. Goblin Shark
Researchers are eager to examine a live Goblin Shark, a rare deep-sea dweller. In 2007, one was captured off the coast of Japan, sparking immense excitement among scientists. Sadly, it perished shortly after. This shark, which inhabits the ocean’s depths, shares anatomical features with ancient sharks. Its mysterious nature and prehistoric origins make it a subject of great fascination for scientists.
