Pregnant stream creature — that can change colors — discovered as new species in China
On a sunny day along a stream in southern China, tadpoles dart through the water as they grow and develop into frogs.
The canopy-covered water acts as a nursery for these creatures and others. But at night, those tadpoles are at risk.
Researchers studying the stream lifted the rocks to find loach fish lurking in the crevices, according to a study published Sept. 10 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
A light yellowish brown color, the fish were a few inches long, and researchers identified them as a new species.
“Based on field investigations, the species is abundant and commonly found in the streams of Mt. Hanshan,” researchers said. “During the day, the species typically seeks shelter in stone crevices and substrates, emerging at night to feed.”
Their diets are mostly made up of tadpoles, including those from the species Quasipaa spinosa, or the giant spiny frog, and substrate from the flowing stream, according to the study.
While their bodies started as a light color, researchers said “exposure to intense light can cause their body color to change from light yellow to dark brown or black,” potentially contributing to their nocturnal lifestyle.
The fish’s snouts are round with three sets of barbels at the front of the mouth. These sensory organs help the fish track down prey and food.
Researchers also noted that of the 15 fish collected for their study, many of them were pregnant females, something they said was unusual considering the fish were caught in December of last year.
The new species was named Oreonectes zhangi, according to the study, and given the common Chinese name Zhang Shi Ling Qiu.
“The species was named in honor of the three Zhang brothers, who assisted local residents in locating water during an ancient drought,” researchers said. “Following their passing, they were revered as rain deities by the community.”
The fish were discovered on Mt. Hanshan in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of southern China near the border with Vietnam.
The research team includes Jia-Hong Zhong, Jian Yang, Hao-Lin Mo and Wei-Cai Chen.
This story was originally published September 16, 2024 at 2:30 PM with the headline "Pregnant stream creature — that can change colors — discovered as new species in China."
