Latest news with #Hypancistrus
Miami Herald
14-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
From pet aquariums to the reefs of Bora-Bora: See the latest new species
The summaries below were drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All linked stories were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists. Unique creatures, odd animals and new species are discovered across the planet. Some are found lurking in remote corners of the world, while others have been hiding right under our noses. Learn more about some of the best new discoveries: 'Long'-limbed creature with bright yellow belly found lurking. It's a new species In western Thailand, scientists discovered a new species of gecko named Cnemaspis enneaporus, or the Sai Yok rock gecko, while exploring a karst forest. These geckos have slender bodies, large eyes, and distinct coloring, with males displaying a bright yellow belly. The discovery highlights the rich biodiversity of the Sai Yok District, where these geckos were found. | Published Feb. 7 | Read More | Sleeping creature with 'dagger-like spines' found in Vietnam. It's a new species In the forests of southern Vietnam, researchers discovered a new species of lizard called Acanthosaura cuongi, or Cuong's horned tree lizard. These lizards are moderately-sized with 'dagger-like spines' and varying colors, blending well with their surroundings. The species was named in honor of Vietnamese researcher Cuong The Pham for his contributions to herpetological research. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More | 'Vivid' green creature — with beefed-up forearms — is new species in China. See it In southern China, a new species of frog called Amolops gudao, or the Gudao Cascade frog, was discovered in the Gaoligong Mountains. These medium-sized frogs have 'vivid' green skin with black spots and notably robust forearms. The species was named after the Southern Silk Road, reflecting its historical significance. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More | Scuba diver spots 'spaghetti'-like creature — and discovers new species in Bora-Bora A marine biologist discovered a new species of marine worm, Loimia poraporaensis, or the Porapora spaghetti worm, while diving in Bora-Bora. These worms have long white tentacles and live in tubes made of coral fragments. The species was named after Bora-Bora, where it was first found, and plays a critical role in marine ecosystems. | Published Feb. 6 | Read More | 'Armored' river creature found in pet aquariums worldwide turns out to be new species In Brazil's Xingu River, researchers identified a new species of catfish, Hypancistrus seideli, or Seidel's armored catfish, known for its maze-like pattern and popularity in aquariums. These medium-sized catfish have armor-like plates and large eyes, with a distinctive color pattern. The species was named in honor of aquarist Ingo Seidel for his contributions to the field. | Published Feb. 12 | Read More | McClatchy News continues to follow the discovery of the most unusual and intriguing new species. Check back for the latest studies.
Miami Herald
12-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Armored' river creature found in pet aquariums worldwide turns out to be new species
In a river of northeastern Brazil, an 'armored' creature with 'large' eyes paused to rest against a rock. The maze-like pattern that helped camouflage it in the wild also made it a popular aquarium pet worldwide. Yet, when scientists took a closer look at the distinctive animal, it turned out to be a new species. Researchers visited the Xingu River several times between 1994 and 2017 to survey wildlife, according to a study published Feb. 10 in the peer-reviewed journal Neotropical Ichthyology. During their visits, the team worked with local fishermen to collect dozens of catfish 'well known from the ornamental fish trade,' the study said. These catfish had never been scientifically classified, despite being popular aquarium pets for decades. Looking at the fish in a laboratory, researchers quickly realized they'd discovered a new species: Hypancistrus seideli, or Seidel's armored catfish. Seidel's armored catfish are considered 'medium-sized,' reaching about 6 inches in length, the study said. They have 'short and deep' bodies covered in armor-like 'plates.' Their heads have 'large' eyes, bumpy lips and teeth with 'bright red' crowns. The most distinctive feature of the new species is the wavy, maze-like pattern covering its body. Photos show the catfish's 'astonishing array of color patterns.' The fish vary in hue — ranging from pinkish to orangish to cream — and in the density of their typically brown markings. Seidel's armored catfish live in a wide range of rocky habitats at various depths up to 130 feet, researchers said. A photo shows one catfish in its natural habitat. Previously, the new species had been known by several informal names, often including the word 'tiger,' the study said. Researchers said they named the new species after Ingo Seidel, 'a renowned German aquarist whose decades of dedication to the care, understanding, and breeding of Hypancistrus species in captivity have made him a global authority … This species is named in recognition of his unwavering passion and invaluable contributions to the field.' Seidel's armored catfish have a 'relatively large distribution' throughout Xingu River in northern Brazil, the study said. Some catfish released by 'aquarium fish traders' a few years ago have grown into a thriving population, showing 'their adaptability.' The new species was mainly identified by its color pattern. The research team included Leandro Melo de Sousa, Erilda Barbosa de Sousa, Renildo de Oliveira Ribeiro, Mark Sabaj, Jansen Zuanon and Lúcia Rapp Py-Daniel. The team also discovered a second new species of armored catfish.
Miami Herald
10-02-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
‘Shy' aquarium pet — with ‘bright red' teeth — discovered as new species from Brazil
Deep below the surface of a river in northern Brazil, a 'shy' creature tucked its 'armored' body into a rocky crevice. Divers spotted the patterned animal and recognized it as a popular aquarium pet. It also turned out to be a new species. Scientists visited the Xingu River several times between 2004 and 2017 to survey wildlife, according to a study published Feb. 10 in the peer-reviewed journal Neotropical Ichthyology. One of the areas they focused on was 'the impact zone' of a hydroelectric power plant. During the visits, researchers worked with local fishermen to collect dozens of catfish 'well known from the ornamental fish trade,' the study said. These fish had never been scientifically classified, despite being popular aquarium pets for decades. Looking at the catfish, researchers quickly realized they'd discovered a new species: Hypancistrus yudja, or the Yudjá armored catfish. Yudjá armored catfish are considered 'small,' reaching up to 2.5 inches in length, the study said. They have 'short and deep' bodies covered in armor-like 'plates.' Their heads have 'small' eyes and 'thin, delicate' teeth with 'bright red' tops. Photos show the 'unique color pattern' of the new species. Its markings vary but generally include 'relatively large brown blotches' on a 'light tan background.' In the wild, Yudjá armored catfish live about 50 feet down in rocky crevices, the study said. Commercial fishermen caught them 'individually by hand during diving sessions aided by air compressors or scuba equipment.' In captivity, the new species is 'fairly shy' and 'remains secluded in caves for most of the day,' researchers said. 'Expert aquarium hobbyists have successfully bred this species.' Yudjá armored catfish are likely critically endangered and 'at high risk of extinction,' the study said. They live only in a small stretch of the Xingu River in Pará State of northern Brazil and face 'severe environmental degradation' due to a hydroelectric complex, 'natural flood and drought cycles, and exploitation for the ornamental fish trade.' Previously, the new species has been known by several informal names, often including the word 'zebra.' Researchers said they named the new species after the indigenous Yudjá, or Juruna, people because it lives in their territory and has been a source of income for them. 'Both the Yudjá people and (the new species) are struggling to survive the environmental impacts of the Belo Monte Hydroelectric Complex … and their fate is connected and deeply threatened,' the study said. The research team included Leandro Melo de Sousa, Erilda Barbosa de Sousa, Renildo de Oliveira Ribeiro, Mark Sabaj, Jansen Zuanon and Lúcia Rapp Py-Daniel. The team also discovered a second new species of armored catfish.
