The world is inhabited by more species of fish than mammals, birds and reptiles put together. It’s thought that we have only discovered a tiny fraction of the world’s fish species because billions of creatures live too deep in the ocean for humans to reach. It’s thought that a staggering 5,425,000 invertebrates will never be discovered. It’s weird to think that while we are minding our own business, living our lives, whether we’re just playing Partypoker or taking a walk, millions of unknown species are dying and being born right beneath our feet, hundreds of miles down in the sea. It’s also such a shame that so many of them will never be discovered.

From giant salamanders the size of grown men to rock climbing fish, planet earth is home to some truly bizarre, and at times frightening, creatures. However, they serve an ecological purpose and these strange animals are fascinating in their own unique way.

Chinese Giant Salamander

The United States is also home to a huge salamander called the Hellbender. This endangered species may look scary but they are rather passive, despite being able to grow up to six feet long. Imagine the size of its tongue!

Giant Coconut Crab

These enormous crabs can crack a coconut in one swipe, but luckily for humans they’re too slow to be very dangerous. Just watch out for those pincers!

Climbing fish

Imagine if your pet goldfish suddenly began to scale the aquarium with its hands? Well the climbing fish has shocked scientists because it happens to be a very skilled rock climber.The fish, called a Lithogenes wahari, has specialized pelvic fins which act as gripping “hands” to climb terrain. It is an incredibly rare species which scientists are desperate to learn more about.

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