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There are 8.7 million tagged species on Earth, but scientists estimate that over 80 percent of life on this planet still remains undiscovered. It’s truly remarkable that with all of these animals occupying the same space as us, on an average day we might only see a dog and maybe a couple of pigeons. It’s likely we will never be able to see all 8.7 million, so we rounded up the weirdest of the weird species for just a glimpse at how much is really out there.
Does this mole even have eyes to see these weird animal photos? Star-nosed moles are actually great swimmers because of their front claws, and they were the first mammal that was proven to be able to smell underwater. They aren’t a very uncommon species, just rarely seen.
The whitemargin stargazer likes to hang out on reef flats and coastal bottoms but is very rarely spotted because they like to stay buried under the sand with only their eyes showing. If it sounds creepy, that’s because it is.
From above the water, sunfish have occasionally been mistaken for disembodied swimming dolphin heads. It is one of the heaviest and boniest fish species in the world, weighing up to 1,000kg.
Bearded pigs use their scruff to dig around for roots, fungus and bugs to eat. They also enjoy eating plants, small birds and the occasional orangutan carcass. (It’s a pain getting the gristle out of your beard, though.)
Babirusas are certainly not your ordinary pig. They are known for their tusks which begin growing inside its mouth, then pierce through the skin of its face. A true nightmare for babirusa orthodontists.
The Galapagos batfish truly know how to work a red pout. These red-lipped bottom dwellers are typically found on the coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean around the Galapagos. Scientists believe the red around their mouths is used to lure prey, but more research is needed in order to be sure.
Aye-aye, Captain! The aye-aye is the only primate who uses echolocation – the process of locating something by producing sounds and then listening to the sounds reflected back. Other animals you may be familiar with that use echolocation are bats and whales.
We never thought we would use the word “beautiful” to describe a bug until the Australian peacock spider. They live in a diverse range of habitats across the southern half of Australia and are venomous, yet completely harmless to humans. Male peacock spiders flash their rainbow colours and do a little courtship jig to attract females. Important to note that these spiders are also known as sparklemuffins.
The coatimundi is kind of like the raccoon of Central and South America. They scavenge for fruits, eggs, small rodents and of course, leftovers from last night’s dinner in your garbage bin. Although they may look cute and cuddly, the coatimundi is known to be incredibly vicious.
