New species of animals discovered in 2016 include terrifying blood sucking ants, fish that breathe AIR and peacock spiders that DANCE

SCIENTISTS discovered 133 exciting new animal species this year – ranging from adorable critters to creepy creatures that will send shivers down your spine.

Incredible finds include a blood sucking ants, a bizarre looking deepwater Skate and a fish that has lungs.

Sadly, most are already on their way to extinction thanks to nasty poachers, the animal trade and destruction of their habitat.

But animal activists are working to keep them here for a little longer.

Here are some of the most fascinating finds.

The flashy Twilight Zone groppo is the deepest fish to be discovered by humans.

Pink-and-yellow, Grammatonotus brianne was captured on film at 487 feet off the Philippines.

Dr Luiz Rocha said: "This groppo is the most beautiful fish I've ever seen. But beyond its looks, it's a reminder that we know very little about the mysterious half-lit reefs we call the twilight zone."

It joins six  newly discovered species of the dazzling peacock dancing spiders in Australia.

One incredible discovery appears to bend the very laws of nature - a fish that can breathe.

A new species of a giant arapaima — a massive fish that breathe through primitive lungs — is believed to be lurking in the Amazon rivers.

Dracula ants, or Stigmatomma,  that build tiny colonies beneath the Madagascan soil are named after their vicious tendencies to attack larvae before drinking their blood.

A huge jaw with two large pincers also allows the ants to grasp prey mostly comprised of centipedes, but also beetle larvae.

Scientist Dr Flavia Esteves said: "Because these ants are so rarely collected finding them is like uncovering buried treasure.

"Most Stigmatomma species spend the entirety of their lives beneath the soil or inside rotten logs."

A terrifying new species of bee-fly (Bombyliidae) from Madagascar with colourful stripes and fuzzy features has also been discovered.

Named Thevenetimyia spinosavus, which translates to "thorny grandfather", this grey-haired bee fly is an eyeful.

Amid outcroppings of granite in the arid, sloping lowlands of southern Angola, Africa, a newly discovered species of lizard wedges itself into particularly tight crevices, head-first.

Only threatening spines are left exposed along its body and tail to deter approaching predators.

Dr. Edward Stanley said scans revealed that the tiny, bony spikes of Cordylus namakuiyus are actually embedded in the lizard's skin rather than attached to the skeleton itself.

"Technology allowed us to visualize and measure the armouring structure in this new lizard species," he said.

Five types of ancient urchins and seven new colourful sea slugs were also discovered.

Dr Shannon Bennett, of the California Academy of Sciences, said: "Biodiversity scientists estimate we have discovered less than 10% of the species on our planet.

"Academy scientists tirelessly explore the lesser-known regions of Earth - not only to discover new species, but also to uncover the importance of these species to the health of our natural systems.

"Each of these species, known and as-yet-unknown is a wonder unto itself, but may also hold the key to ground-breaking innovations in science, technology, or society.

"Species live together in rich networks that thrive on complexity whether we can see it or not. Even the tiniest organism can be beautiful and important."