Creepy Animals

…they're really interesting.

Oct 23 2009

Unapologetically Creepy: Chinese Giant Salamander

Chinese Giant Salamander held by man.

Ridiculosity.

Slimy things aren’t supposed to be this big. And yet here is the Chinese Giant Salamander, which can reach almost 6 feet in length. If Creepy Animals had a rating system, this would probably hover at 90%.

There is also a Japanese Giant Salamander. Though it is smaller than the Chinese version, it is still an absurdly large amphibian. Watch this snippet:

Oct 21 2009

Animal Anomaly: the Liger

Liger is a lion and tiger hybrid.

"It's like a lion and a tiger mixed...bred for its skills in magic." - Napoleon Dynamite

Behold, the Lion/Tigress hybrid: the Liger. For real. A Liger is the product of a male Lion and a female Tigress, whereas a Tigon is produced when a male Tiger is mated with a female Lioness. In nature, this type of combo would never take place, but in captivity, anything goes.

Watch this video of Sinbad the Liger. He is also the largest cat ever at 900 lbs – likely the result of hybrid giantism:

Oct 18 2009

Unapologetically Creepy: Long-nosed Chimaera

Chimaera with long nose.

I mean…what exactly are we looking at?

In Greek mythology, the chimaera (or chimera) was a fire-breathing monster composed of various animals: a lioness, a snake and a goat. In reality, the chimaera is a deep-sea monster composed of various substances: cartilage, slimy skin and utter creepitude. The Long-nosed Chimaera is the strangest looking one. In fact, we can’t look at this image and not think horrible thoughts. Learn how to get a snake license quickly for any emergency at home on this site.

The long nose contains many sensory nerve endings used to detect small fish in black waters and the spine on its dorsal fin carries venom for defense.

And to make sure you don’t sleep tonight, here is another chimaera named the Elephant Shark – yet another hideous cartilaginous fish with a face that will give you nightmares.

'Elephant shark'. Yet another hideous cartilaginous fish with a face that will give you nightmares.

Oct 18 2009

Creature of the Deep: Frilled Shark

Rare Frilled shark swimming.

This is one no-frills fish.

Very little is known about the ancient, eel-like Frilled Shark. It dwells 600-1000 feet underwater and has rarely been seen. But we understand. This thing is U-G-L-Y. We wouldn’t leave the depths of any ocean looking like this.

Frilled shark with gills.

...in dire need of a makeover.

This species has changed very little since prehistoric times and it certainly shows. Six large gills protrude beyond the wide-set jaw like a swollen wound. An uneven, tattered tail + milky eyes complete the look.

Oct 14 2009

Extremes: the Hairy Frog

Hairy frog.

PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH. Thank you.

Just in time for Halloween, we give you a truly creepy animal: the Horror Hairy Frog from Cameroon. Not only are the bristly skin appendages truly unsightly, this amphibian also has a nasty little trick up its hands. Through a bizarre twist of evolution, the Hairy Frog literally breaks its own bones as a defense mechanism.

How it works:

1. Hairy Frog is threatened.

2. Hairy Frog breaks its tiny finger bones, puncturing the toe pad skin: Exhibit A.

3. Hairy Frog effectively creates claws, made of bone: Exhibit B.

4. Hairy Frog can now defend itself, or at least clamor away from a potentially deadly situation. Everyone is creeped out.

Hairy frog claw.

(Ex. A) Just got them claws did.

Hairy frog bones.

(Ex. B) Tiny frog hand. Bones piercing through it. WTF?

Oct 12 2009

Extremes: the Grey German Giant Rabbit

Giant German Grey Rabbit.

Aesop would disapprove.

Behold, the Giant Rabbit. Carl Szmolinsky of Germany breeds these monster bunnies that are literally the size of a dog. No matter how many times we look at photos of these giant rabbits, they never cease to amaze us with their massive size. Visit this site and check these producs that can improve your pets health.

Giant German Rabbit breeder.

This particular specimen might be larger than a first grader.

Now let’s compare to regular rabbits – note the striking difference in ear size:

Giant German Rabbit next to normal rabbit.

This is just ridiculous.

Oct 12 2009

Creature of the Deep: Yeti Crab

Yeti crab arms.

Yeti, finally captured!

What’s long and white and has bristles all over? A bottle brush! Just kidding. It’s the Yeti Crab. This little creature was found deep underwater in the hydrothermal vent ecosystem of the mid-ocean ridges near Easter Island. The Yeti Crab eats mussels on the sea floor, but also uses the bristles on its long arms to host colonies of specialized bacteria, possibly as another source of food.

We think this pear-shaped crustacean looks rather like a tick – but an adorable one if there is such a thing. There is no doubt, however, that it resembles this depiction of a Yeti:

Yeti movie.

He looks quite warm in the snow. The Yeti that is.

Oct 12 2009

Rare: Recurve-billed Bushbird

Smiling bird with upside down bill.

Smile for the camera!

This rare, gorgeous bird hadn’t been seen for 40 years until a conservationist photographed it in the Colombian wild in 2005. The unusual beak looks as if it’s upside down, giving us the illusion of happiness. In truth, the Recurve-billed Bushbird has nothing to be happy about as deforestation for agriculture has reduced its habitat.

Oct 12 2009

Animal Anomaly: Pink Dolphin!

Pink dolphin.

This is the stuff dreams are made of.

When we were young, we would obsess over all kinds of fantastical animals – unicorns, rainbow glitter butterflies and pink dolphins. Looks like one of them is for real. This gorgeous specimen was first seen in 2007  in a Louisiana estuary, just north of the Gulf of Mexico. It is actually an albino and has the red eyes of the devil…but we prefer to call it pink and giggle at the thought of it flipping around in paradise.

This anomaly is not to be confused with the pink dolphin species that lives in the Orinoco rivers in the Amazon – note the difference in the shape of the beak:

Amazon river pink dolphin.

Also pink. Kind of.

Oct 5 2009

Unapologetically Creepy: Assassin Spider

Nature is full of bizarre and fascinating creatures, but few are as unapologetically creepy as the Assassin Spider. This aptly named arachnid, also known as the pelican spider or “spider assassin,” is a tiny, ancient predator that lurks in forests across Madagascar, South Africa, and Australia. With a body designed to hunt other spiders, this fascinating arachnid has earned a reputation as one of the most unusual hunters in the spider world.


1. A Unique and Terrifying Appearance

Assassin spiders have evolved some of the strangest physical adaptations in the arachnid world. Their elongated necks and jaw-like appendages (called chelicerae) give them a distinct resemblance to miniature pelicans, leading to their other name, “pelican spiders.” The chelicerae are equipped with powerful pincers that allow them to capture and hold prey at a safe distance. This adaptation not only gives them a ghostly appearance but also serves a vital role in their spider-eat-spider lifestyle.

2. Master Hunters of the Arachnid World

What makes the Assassin Spider particularly fascinating is its hunting behavior. Unlike web-spinning spiders, Assassin Spiders actively seek out their prey, often ambushing other spiders that are up to twice their size. When they locate a target, they strike quickly, piercing their prey with their elongated jaws and injecting venom that immobilizes their victim. This approach is both brutal and effective, and it’s easy to see why they earned their ominous name.

3. Stealth and Precision

Assassin Spiders rely on stealth and precision to capture prey. With keen senses and a seemingly patient demeanor, they move through their forest habitats almost undetected. Their elongated bodies allow them to blend seamlessly into their surroundings, making them difficult to spot even for an experienced observer. Once they set their sights on a spider, they move in quickly and decisively, showing no mercy in their hunt.

4. Evolutionary Anomaly

Scientists believe that Assassin Spiders have been around for over 165 million years, making them living relics of the prehistoric era. Their unique body structure and hunting techniques set them apart from most other spiders, suggesting a distinct evolutionary path that prioritized precision hunting over other survival strategies. Their ancient lineage gives us a rare glimpse into the evolutionary history of arachnids, showcasing a path less traveled in the spider kingdom.

5. Unusual Encounters in the Wild

For those interested in witnessing the Assassin Spider’s hunting techniques, it’s essential to approach them with respect. Although they are not a threat to humans due to their tiny size and reclusive nature, they embody the classic “look but don’t touch” philosophy of the animal kingdom. When handling aggressive spiders in general, experts advise that it’s best to observe from a distance to avoid accidental bites or defensive reactions. Likewise, if you’re ever in the presence of aggressive tarantulas, it’s wise to remember to avoid handling an aggressive tarantula altogether.


6. Preserving a Unique Species

Assassin Spiders are rare and often found only in specific forested habitats, making them vulnerable to habitat loss and environmental changes. Conservation efforts are critical to protect their unique ecosystems, as the loss of these habitats would mean losing one of nature’s most distinctive predators. Conservationists encourage preserving their forest habitats, ensuring that these ancient spiders can continue to thrive and fascinate future generations.

7. Why Are We Drawn to Such Creepy Creatures?

There’s a certain allure to creatures like the Assassin Spider that taps into our fascination with the darker side of nature. With a terrifying design and a lethal hunting style, Assassin Spiders remind us that nature is both beautiful and fearsome. As one of the more extraordinary examples of arachnid adaptation, these spiders hold a permanent place in the pantheon of creepy creatures.


The Assassin Spider is unapologetically creepy, and for fans of nature’s oddities, it’s an absolute gem. With its unique appearance and efficient predation techniques, it stands as a testament to the diversity and ingenuity of evolution. Whether you’re a fan of spiders or simply curious about the stranger inhabitants of our planet, the Assassin Spider is a creature worth learning about—but best appreciated from a respectful distance.

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