Port Stephens scientist solves 25-year mystery and names species after Sesame Street favourite

A QUARTER-CENTURY mystery that began with a chance dive in Papua New Guinea has culminated in a remarkable scientific discovery for Port Stephens marine scientist Dr David Harasti, who has officially identified and named a species previously unknown to science.

The discovery has been formally recognised in the Journal of Fish Biology, with the unusual creature now bearing the name “Solenostomus snuffleupagus”, better known as “Snuffy” or the “Hairy Ghost Pipefish”.

For Dr Harasti, the journey began 25 years ago when he encountered a strange, shaggy-looking fish unlike anything he had ever seen.

“Ever since I first saw this fish, I was absolutely captivated by it,” Dr Harasti said.

“I’ve been on a mission since that first sighting to find it again and describe it as a new species.”

Armed only with photographs taken on an old film camera, he spent years searching scientific references for a match.

None existed.

Then the mysterious fish disappeared.

For decades it remained little more than a diver’s legend and the one that got away, occasionally reported across the Coral Sea yet never studied closely enough to prove it was a distinct species.

The breakthrough finally came in 2020 after a sighting near Cairns prompted Dr Harasti and fellow researcher Graham Short to launch a targeted search of the Great Barrier Reef.

After days combing dense underwater macroalgae, they located a male and female pair, providing the evidence needed to formally describe the species.

Yet it was the fish’s appearance that would ultimately inspire its memorable name.

Covered in long hair-like filaments and sporting a long snout and fuzzy profile, the fish bore an uncanny resemblance to one of Dr Harasti’s childhood television favourites – Mr Snuffleupagus from Sesame Street.

“When I was a kid, Sesame Street was my favourite show to watch and Mr Snuffleupagus was one of my favourite characters, along with Cookie Monster,” he said.

“As soon as I looked at my photos of the Hairy Ghost Pipefish, it totally reminded me of Snuffy and that’s why I always knew it was the right name to call it.”

The researchers approached Sesame Street in 2025 seeking permission to use the beloved character’s name, with the request ultimately receiving approval.

For Dr Harasti, the discovery is a reminder that the ocean still holds countless secrets waiting to be uncovered.

“I always say that the ocean is a huge treasure chest with so many new discoveries to be found,” he said.

“Even in Port Stephens we are still discovering new species, be it a new species of sea slug or a marine worm. “There’s still so much for us to find and discover.

“Who knows, there might be another Sesame Street-looking character just waiting out in the deep to be found.”

For a scientist who spent 25 years chasing a mystery fish, it is proof that curiosity, patience and persistence can still reveal wonders hidden beneath the waves.

By Jacie WHITFIELD