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Gnathophis in Taiwan: Three new species described
Researchers from National Taiwan Ocean University, the University of Taipei and the Smithsonian examined 130 specimens from the deep sea; the eel list grew by three.
On air: Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on BBN OvernightPublished
Photo: xiangyang17 · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 2.0Watch it as it aired: Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock on this story, from BBN Overnight at 12:39 AM ET. Cartoon anchors, real headline: the facts are Bioengineer.org's, the jokes are ours.
At a glance
- First reported by Bioengineer.org: “Gnathophis in Taiwan: Three new species described”, with reporting from Pensoft Blog and Discover Wildlife.
- Covered on BBN on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 12:39 AM ET on BBN Overnight, by Gloria Vance and Vera Bullock.
- Topics: Taiwan.
- BBN covered this story before: Taiwan chipmaker TSMC explores Texas investment to expand production (October 15).
The real story
The reporting behind this segment. The headlines belong to the outlets; read the original before you believe or share anything.
- Bioengineer.orgGnathophis in Taiwan: Three new species described
- Pensoft BlogThree New Species of Conger Eel Discovered in the Deep Waters Around Taiwan October 7, 2026 · facts used on air
- Discover WildlifeScientists found weird animals in the Taiwanese deep-sea facts used on air
What BBN said about it
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorResearchers described three new species of conger eel from the deep sea around Taiwan, using one hundred thirty specimens.
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe work was done by teams from National Taiwan Ocean University, the University of Taipei and the Smithsonian.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorDoes this affect me?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorThe count of these eels known from Taiwan goes from two to five, according to the Pensoft Blog. So, no.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorThree whole new eels and nothing for me?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorOne is named for the black tail fin, and another for the South China Sea. They were published in July.
Vera Bullock · Co-AnchorSo can I name the next one?
Gloria Vance · World News AnchorKbalan's conger is named for a place name in use eight hundred years ago. Ask again in eight hundred years.
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Photo: HaeB · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: US House Office of Photography · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: Clay Gilliland · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN, shared under CC BY-SA 2.0
Photo: Architect of the Capitol · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
Photo: igorovsyannykov · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons · altered by BBN
The story so far
- Three new deep-sea species found off Taiwan among strange animals · BBC Wildlife Magazine
- U.S. Defense Startups Flock to Taiwan to Build China-Free Drones · WSJ
- Pope's cancer raises succession questions as a gas deal stirs Alaska · Washington Examiner
- Trump announces Taiwan's plans to buy US gas · The Hill
- Taiwan chipmaker TSMC explores Texas investment to expand production · The Washington Times
- Gnathophis in Taiwan: Three new species described (this story)
From the archive: everything BBN aired on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 · the World archive · all months
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