California academy of sciences discovers 72 new species in 2025, from deep ocean fish to galápagos birds

Scientists at the California Academy of Sciences had a remarkable year in 2025, formally describing 72 previously unknown species from six continents in collaboration with researchers worldwide. The newly identified creatures range from deep-sea dwellers to animals hiding in plain sight, including species discovered in unexplored ocean depths, on the Galápagos Islands, and even within U.S. national parks.

The diverse array of discoveries includes 15 beetles, 12 bush crickets, 11 sea slugs, seven fish species, seven plants, six geckos, and notably, the Galápagos lava heron (Butorides sundevalli). Among the most intriguing finds is a cardinalfish called Epigonus zonatus, collected during a 1997 ocean expedition that included Fidel Castro as a participant. The specimen remained in the Academy’s vast collection for nearly three decades before scientists finally described it as a new species this year.

These discoveries highlight both the incredible biodiversity that remains undocumented on our planet and the critical role of natural history collections in advancing scientific understanding. The San Francisco-based institution houses 46 million specimens and employs over 100 scientists who continue making new findings as technology advances and scientific knowledge deepens.

“Discoveries like these remind us that much of life on Earth remains undocumented and therefore unprotected,” noted CAS virologist and chief of science Shannon Bennett. With researchers estimating that less than 20% of all Earth’s species have been scientifically described, and many facing extinction before they can be named, these findings underscore the urgent need for continued biodiversity research and conservation efforts.