一项最新研究通过微CT扫描与基因测序证实，此前被误认为海马的三种深海鱼类实际上属于一个独立的演化分支，研究人员将其命名为新属“Australyichthys”，俗称“海木偶”1。该研究发表于《Journal of Lost Species》，指出这些生物与海马外形极度相似，是趋同演化的典型案例，但关键证据显示其骨骼结构缺乏海马特有的融合骨板笼状结构和头冠，且DNA测序证明它们并非海马属，而是海马最近的亲属分支1。目前已知的新属包含三个物种：helmethead sea muppet（A. aegis）、bullneck sea muppet（A. minotaur）以及paradoxical sea muppet（A. paradoxus）1。
令人担忧的是，该属所有已知样本仅来自7个博物馆标本，采集时间跨度约65年，近20年来再无新收集记录，且至今无人见过其活体1。这些标本均源自南澳大利亚海岸线深度约50至125米的海底拖网渔获物，其中A. aegis的唯一样本于2006年在甘比尔群岛附近采集，曾被错误归档为无脊椎动物1。研究人员Graham Short和David Harasti指出，鉴于样本稀缺及长期未被发现，亟需开展针对性调查以确认这些神秘生物的生存状况1。
Researchers have identified a distinct evolutionary branch of deep-sea fish, named the genus Australyichthys, which closely resembles seahorses but is genetically and anatomically separate. These creatures, commonly referred to as "sea muppets," were previously misclassified as true seahorses due to their convergent appearance. The findings, published in the Journal of Lost Species, clarify that these organisms are not members of the seahorse genus but rather represent a unique lineage 1.
The reclassification was driven by micro-CT scans and DNA sequencing, which revealed critical structural differences between Australyichthys and actual seahorses. Specifically, the skeletal structure of these fish lacks the fused bony plates forming a cage-like body and the head crown (coronet) characteristic of seahorses. Genetic analysis confirmed that while they are close relatives, they do not belong to the same genus 1. The newly defined genus comprises three species: the helmethead sea muppet (A. aegis), the bullneck sea muppet (A. minotaur), and the paradoxical sea muppet (A. paradoxus) 1.
Currently, all known evidence for this genus consists of just seven museum specimens collected over a span of approximately 65 years. No one has ever observed these animals alive, raising concerns about their survival status. There have been no new collections in nearly two decades, with the most recent record being the sole specimen of A. aegis, gathered near the Gambier Islands in 2006, which had been incorrectly archived as an invertebrate. These specimens originate from bottom trawl catches at depths ranging from 50 to 125 meters along the coastline of South Australia 1.
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