4 days ago
‘Miniature' creature — ‘mostly translucent' — is new species from Amazon basin
During a field expedition to the 'heart' of the Amazon basin in Brazil, researchers discovered two small fish in the region's tea-colored waters that were previously unknown to science.
The fish, both new miniature tetra species, were discovered in the Rio Purus and Solimões Drainages in Amazonas State, according to a study published July 17 in the peer-reviewed journal Taxonomy.
The first species, Priocharax robbiei, was found in 'exceptionally low' water levels at depths between 1.5 to 3 feet, according to the study. Researchers said the species can be found in 'blackwater systems,' where vegetation is present.
Priocharax robbiei, about half an inch long, is described as being 'mostly translucent' with specialized cells of black pigment around its body, researchers said. The miniature tetra was named in honor of Roberto 'Robbie' Taliaferro Mattox Jr., the father of researcher George Mendes Taliaferro Mattox, who died while his son was on the expedition, according to the study.
The second species, Priocharax piagassu, is also about half an inch long and found in a 'blackwater' system, the study said. According to researchers, this species was discovered in a 'peculiar area,' of a floodplain that was 'very difficult' to access.
According to the study, the name piagassu comes from the Indigenous language Nheengatu. 'Piá' means 'heart' and 'wa'su' means 'big,' symbolizing the heart of the region in the middle of the Amazon basin where it was discovered, researchers said.
The species were discovered 'within and near the boundaries of' the Catuá-Ipixuna Extractive Reserve and the Piagaçu-Purus Sustainable Development Reserve — both protected areas, according to the study.
The research team included Giovanna Guimarães Silva Lopez, Camila Silva Souza, Lais Reia, Larissa Arruda Mantuaneli, Bruno Ferezim Morales, Flávio Cesar Thadeo Lima, Claudio Oliveira and George Mendes Taliaferro Mattox.
