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Lesley de Souza lead author, conservation scientist, and ichthyologist had the honor of describing 6 new species of catfish found in the Amazon and Orinoco River Basins.
The newly discovered fish are all part of the genus commonly known as Bristlenose catfish, just like plecos commonly kept in freshwater aquariums. De Souza described them as having tentacles on their snouts and spines sticking out of their heads.
The purpose of the spines is to help them protect themselves and their nests. The tentacles however, are there to persuade females they will be good Dad’s as the males are the ones who look over the next and guard the fry.
These fish were found in the “clear fast flowing rivers and streams” in Northeastern South America, but there are many species of fish that have yet to be discovered.
Dr. De Souza is excited and hopeful, as “describing a new species is an opportunity for conservation action. For example, Ancistrus kellerae is one of the new species described and is only found in the highlands of Guyana, in one area, likely making it endemic. With the impending threats to its watershed from gold mining, maybe its status as an endemic species will help to protect the ecosystem.”
Anyone can make a difference in their local aquatic ecosystem. Lesley recommends getting involved with local initiatives you are passionate about. She encourages us to make sure we’re familiar with native fauna as well as potential threats to the area, and most importantly, she encourages people to get out and enjoy the rivers and natural areas nearby.
Thank you so much to Dr. Lesley de Souza for sharing your passion about these fish and their ecosystems.
Source - Field Museum. "Six new species of hideously adorable tentacle-nosed catfish discovered in Amazon: Tentacles 'catfish' potential mates into picking the best father." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 6 February 2019. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/02/190206200401.htm>.