5 days ago
‘Large'-eyed river creature with bumpy lips discovered as a new species in China
In a river of southern China, an 'elongated' creature with pink fins swam through the waters. Its 'large' eyes scanned the watery world, but it wasn't the only one looking around.
Passing scientists caught the aquatic animal — and discovered a new species.
A team of researchers visited several streams in Guangxi province in 2005 and 2024 as part of a project to survey aquatic ecosystems, according to a study published June 2 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
During their surveys, researchers found several 'unique'-looking fish, the study said. They took a closer look at the fish, analyzed its DNA and realized they'd discovered a new species: Traccatichthys punctulatus, or the spotted stone loach.
Spotted stone loaches have 'elongated' bodies, reaching about 3 inches in length, the study said. They are 'completely covered with small scales and embedded under (the) skin.' Their heads have 'blunt' snouts, bumpy lips, 'large' eyes and whisker-like barbels.
A photo shows the yellow-gray coloring of the new species. Its fins are 'pale pink,' and its sides have 'bright green stripes.' Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin word for ''spot' or 'point'' because of the 'numerous spots' along its body.
Much about the lifestyle of spotted stone loaches remains unknown.
So far, spotted stone loaches have only been found 'in streams on the western slope of Dayao mountains in Jinxiu Yao Autonomous County,' a region of Guangxi province in southern China
The new species was identified by its DNA, coloring and other subtle physical features, the study said.
The research team included Zhi-Xian Qin, Jia-Jun Zhou, Li-Na Du and Feng Lin.
