Latest news with #Gachua
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Science
- Express Tribune
Long-Lost Fish Species Resurfaces After 85 Years, Shocking Scientists
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.
Yahoo
16-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers stunned after netting 'vanished' species 80 years after last sighting: 'The resolution of this long-standing mystery'
For more than 80 years, the Chel snakehead (Channa amphibeus) was thought to be extinct. The fish species, first described in 1840 in India's Chel River system, had gone unrecorded for decades — until now. A team of researchers, including wildlife experts Jayasimhan Praveenraj and Tejas Thackeray of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, recently rediscovered the rare fish in the Himalayan region of India, as detailed by Mid-day. Their findings, published in the journal Zootaxa earlier this year, confirm that the species is still alive. Known for its striking appearance, the Chel snakehead has iridescent-green scales and unique yellow bars along its body. It is one of the largest and most vibrant species within its group, featuring chrome-yellow to orange stripes and a bright neon patch beneath its eye. The Chel snakehead also holds the record for the highest number of lateral-line scales among all snakeheads in the Gachua group, per the rediscovery of this elusive species reinforces the importance of continued exploration. Despite repeated searches over the years, the Chel snakehead remained undetected, leading some experts to believe it was extinct. Now, its survival highlights the resilience of biodiversity and raises hopes that other species thought to be lost could still be out there, waiting to be found. This isn't the first time an "extinct" species has resurfaced. The giant salmon carp, a huge fish native to Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand, was rediscovered in 2020. In 2023, researchers captured the first-ever live images of Attenborough's long-beaked echidna, a spiny mammal so elusive that it hadn't been documented in over 60 years. These discoveries prove that nature is more resilient than often assumed. While the Chel snakehead survived without human intervention, its rediscovery is a reminder that many species aren't so lucky. Protecting fragile ecosystems is more urgent than ever, with habitat destruction and a warming planet accelerating biodiversity loss. "The resolution of 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," Thackeray said. Wildlife biologist Forrest Galante (@ reacted enthusiastically to the news, writing: "LFG!! Extinct species back, baby!!" in an Instagram post. His post echoed the excitement of researchers who have spent decades searching for the Chel snakehead. This is why conservation matters. Who knows how many more species are waiting to be found? One thing is certain: The natural world holds plenty of secrets. It's up to humans to make sure they have a future. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
