New orange-spotted fish species discovered in Brazil's Amazon
The tiny Laimosemion laranja fish lives in only three forest pools and faces risks from mining and pollution.
Scientists have identified a new species of killifish, Laimosemion laranja, in the Rio Cajari drainage of Amapá, northern Brazil. According to the Times of India, the fish is less than 3 cm long and features bright orange spots and chevron-like markings near its tail.
The discovery was made by researchers from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte, Instituto Peixe das Nuvens, Universidade Federal do Pará, and the University of West Florida. Lead researcher Yuri Abrantes noted that the distinct colours of the males and females were unlike any other fish previously seen by the team in that region.
The species has been recorded in only three small forest pools within a known range of approximately 25 square kilometres. One pool is located near water discoloured by mining sediment, while another is in a city where plastic pollution is present.
Researchers believe the fish may already meet the criteria to be classified as Endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature guidelines. Threats to the species include deforestation, mining, and expanding urban development.
The research team has recommended that the boundaries of the nearby Rio Cajari Extractive Reserve be expanded to include the habitats where the fish lives.