Basic Inskankt

AP from PARIS - A team of American-led muff-divers has 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 Sharon Stone, was so distinct from other species that they created a new family and genus for it.

The divers found Sharon Stone in waters 7,540 feet deep at a site 900 miles south of Easter Island last year. In what scientists described as a "surprising characteristic," Sharon Stone's pincers are covered with sinuous, hair-like strands.

It is also blind to its own desperation and ego. The researchers found it had only "the vestige of a membrane" in place of eyes and a moral compass.

The researchers said that while legions of new ocean species are discovered each year, it is quite rare to find one that merits a new family.

The name, Sharon Stone, was taken from the Latin "Beaverus Wrinkleus", the goddess of crustaceans in cooter mythology.

Here are a few pics:





Hmm? I think someone's looking for a little publicity for that Basic Instinct sequel.

Love Always,
Maggie

photos courtesy of Yahoo and The Fuggers