Article by: Nur Hidayahanum Hamid

Source: Smithsonian

 

Researchers led by Murilo Pastana from the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History have discovered two new fish species in the Amazon, described in the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. These species, one with striking red-orange fins and the other a miniature fish, are threatened by deforestation near Apuí, Brazil. Poecilocharax callipterus, the more colorful species, is particularly at risk as it inhabits only a small stream. The findings highlight the urgent need for conservation as these fish face threats from habitat destruction and the exotic aquarium trade. Pastana hopes that documenting these species will prompt protective measures from the Brazilian government. The discoveries underscore the biodiversity in the Madeira River Basin and the pressing need to document and preserve these endangered species.

 

Picture 1: The research team, including Murilo Pastana (center) and William Ohara (right), collect fishes from a seine net by the river bank near Apuí, Amazonas State, Brazil. Credit: Murilo N.L. Pastana & Willian M. Ohara (Source: Smithsonian).

 

Picture 2: The newly-described fish, Poecilocharax callipterus. Its average size is just over an inch (Source: Smithsonian).

 

Picture 3: The other species, Poecilocharax rhizophilus, is considered miniature fish since they are never longer than one inch. Pictured is a female adult (Source: Smithsonian)

 

Picture 4: The river microhabitat where Poecilocharax callipterus was discovered. This species is found among vegetation accumulating along the riverbanks (Source: Smithsonian).

 

Picture 5: The act of deforestation refers to the deliberate removal or reduction of forests by human activities, typically done to create space for livestock or to establish new human settlements. This aerial photograph, captured on August 7, 2020, depicts a deforested region near Sinop, Mato Grosso State, Brazil (Source: Getty images).

Date of Input: 06/06/2024 | Updated: 06/06/2024 | hidayahanum