Long-Lost Fish Species Resurfaces After 85 Years, Shocking Scientists

Express Tribune

22-02-2025

For over eight decades, the Chel snakehead (Channa amphibious) was thought to be extinct, disappearing into the pages of history like a mystery no one could solve.
That is—until now. In a discovery that feels straight out of a nature documentary, researchers in India have confirmed the species is very much alive, lurking in the waters of the Chel River in West Bengal.
The last recorded sighting of the freshwater species dated back to somewhere between 1918 and 1933, with no trace of it since. Scientists assumed it had vanished forever, another victim of environmental changes.
But in 2024, after years of searching, researchers stumbled upon three living specimens on the banks of the Chel River.
And, in a plot twist no one saw coming, it turns out the fish was never really gone—it had been right under their noses the entire time, regularly consumed by a local tribe that had unknowingly kept the species thriving.
A Discovery That Took Decades
The search for the Chel snakehead had been ongoing for decades. Every attempt to locate it ended in disappointment, leaving experts convinced it had succumbed to extinction.
However, once researchers caught wind of local communities consuming a fish that matched the description of the long-lost species, the chase was back on.
Months of effort finally led them to the elusive creature, confirming what had once seemed impossible: the Chel snakehead was still alive.
Described as "large and vibrant" by the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, the Chel snakehead stands out for its chrome-yellow to orange stripes, a bright neon patch beneath the eye, and a uniquely high number of lateral-line scales—the most among all snakeheads in the Gachua group.
Why This Discovery Matters
Beyond the excitement of rediscovering a species that had been presumed extinct, this finding is a big win for biodiversity conservation. The Thackeray Wildlife Foundation highlighted its significance, stating:
'This long-standing mystery in Indian ichthyology reinforces the importance of continued exploration and highlights the persistence of biodiversity, even in species once thought lost to time.'
The discovery of the Chel snakehead serves as a reminder that nature still holds secrets, and many species we assume to be extinct may simply be hiding in plain sight.
What's Next?
Now that the Chel snakehead has officially re-entered the scientific record, conservationists will likely push for more research and protection efforts to ensure its survival.
This rediscovery could also spark renewed searches for other species thought to be extinct, proving that our planet still has plenty of surprises left in store.