The amphibious creatures pictured above were found in Lake Michigan early morning on Feb. 24, 2022 by Boulder, Colorado DA2 student Mati Morrow. Morrow was walking downtown on Lake Michigan's ledge walk before spotting the brightly colored Squish Fish and calling local animal scientists. 

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After the discovery of the Squish Fish came the Noodle Fish and Malachite Frog. What makes scientist believe that all three amphibious creatures are related are firstly due to each of their unique abilities to swim in water and walk on land while also sharing the same crystal colorings. Although these amphibious creatures were only found days ago, scientists are working effortlessly to understand where they come from and what they are. They seem to emerge out of rock sediment found at the bottom of the lake, whether native or non-native rock. They then grow to their habitat around the lake; for example the Noodle Fish can be found in the deeper parts of Lake Michigan's water whereas the Malachite Frog can be found closer to the shore.

 

There is still much to learn about these new and curious amphibious creatures but for now these creatures do not seem harmful to Lake Michigan's ecosystem, nor Chicago's little natural ecosystem, but rather they are "cute little guys just doing their thang." (Noteworthy Chicago Ecosystems. Biologist, 2022).

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