Scientists found two new fish species during research trips to Zimbabwe rivers. The team used electric shocks to stun fish and catch them with nets downstream. They worked on the Buzi and Pungwe river systems during 2013, 2014 and 2022. The researchers published their findings on June 16 in ZooKeys journal. Both discoveries are types of suckermouth catfish that live in fast water.
The first species earned the name rough skin suckermouth catfish because of bumpy ridges across its body. Scientists counted between 68 and 128 teeth at the front of its upper jaw. Other similar fish from southern Africa have fewer than 68 teeth. The golden brown fish grows about 2.5 inches long and lives among rocks. Its mouth sits on the bottom of its head to help grab onto surfaces.
The second species is called dwarf suckermouth catfish and measures just 1.7 inches long. This makes it the smallest related fish species found in southern Africa. The fish has a short round body with a big head and dark coloring. It carries between 31 and 53 upper jaw teeth. Both new species stick to rocky areas with rushing water currents.
The first species earned the name rough skin suckermouth catfish because of bumpy ridges across its body. Scientists counted between 68 and 128 teeth at the front of its upper jaw. Other similar fish from southern Africa have fewer than 68 teeth. The golden brown fish grows about 2.5 inches long and lives among rocks. Its mouth sits on the bottom of its head to help grab onto surfaces.
The second species is called dwarf suckermouth catfish and measures just 1.7 inches long. This makes it the smallest related fish species found in southern Africa. The fish has a short round body with a big head and dark coloring. It carries between 31 and 53 upper jaw teeth. Both new species stick to rocky areas with rushing water currents.
