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Marine biologists H.J. Walker at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography have discovered a new species that holds the record as the smallest animal with a backbone. The almost transparent fish lacks teeth, scales and certain characteristics typical of other fishes, and is no longer than the width of a pencil (8.4 mm).

Only six specimens are known to exist worldwide and they are so fragile and light that a million individuals would weigh in at less than 1kg! An astonishing feature of the smallest vertebrate is its short lifetime of only 2 months. This allows it to go through several generations in a season and evolve rapidly in response to its environment – an ability that will come in handy in an age of predicted human-induced climate changes.

The newly discovered stout fish inhabits the Australia’s Great Barrier Reef and the Coral Sea - niches which at the moment are thought to be very susceptible to human impact. The fish may look pale, fragile and underdeveloped but its short lifespan may be the best strategy against the detrimental effects of rapid climate change. Scientists expect that the smallest vertebrate on Earth will adapt best to any environmental change.

Source: SCRIPPS Oceanographic Institution