River creature with ‘armored’ body and ‘tall’ head discovered as new species in Brazil
In a river of northern Brazil, an “armored” creature swam through the water in search of its next meal — or tried to at least. But something caught the striped animal and pulled it to the surface.
Scientists looked at their catch and realized it was a new species.
Researchers set out on a boat in the Tocantins River several times between 2019 and 2023 to survey wildlife. Because a series of hydroelectric dams had “intensely altered” the river, they wanted to identify any overlooked animal species and “develop conservation strategies,” according to a study published Nov. 6 in the peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology.
During the visits, researchers caught several unfamiliar-looking catfish. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the animals and discovered a new species: Hypancistrus parkateje, or the Parkatêjê armored catfish.
Parkatêjê armored catfish can reach just under 3 inches in length, the study said. They have “body plates” along their backs and “tall” heads with “short” snouts, “large” eyes and some “long” teeth.
A photo shows the tiger stripe-like coloring of the new species. Researchers described its snout as having “dark E-shaped” marks.
Parkatêjê armored catfish live in moderately flowing water and were found near rocky areas and beaches, the study said.
Researchers said they named the new species after the “Parkatêjê traditional Indigenous community,” which lives near where the new species was discovered.
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So far, Parkatêjê armored catfish have been found in one small stretch of the Tocantins River in the State of Pará, the study said. Because of its “limited distribution” and planned hydrological projects, the new species is likely “vulnerable.”
The new species was identified by its DNA, cheeks, skull shape, coloring, markings, teeth and other subtle physical features, the study said.
The research team included Felipe Araújo, Marlon Ferreira, Iann Monteiro and Wolmar Wosiacki.
This story was originally published November 22, 2024 at 12:23 PM with the headline "River creature with ‘armored’ body and ‘tall’ head discovered as new species in Brazil."
