Interesting Nature

New fish with orange patterns discovered in the Amazon

In the Brazilian Amazon, scientists have described a new fish species, Laimosemion laranja. It belongs to a group of small freshwater fish called killifish, and it is less than three centimeters long. The males have bright orange spots on the front half of the body and orange diamond-shaped patterns near the tail. The fish was found in the south of Amapá state, in the Rio Cajari basin, in small forest ponds. The species was confirmed as new through a study of body proportions, scales and skeleton, as well as an analysis of mitochondrial DNA. According to the study's leader, Yuri Abrantes, they were first of all drawn by the striking coloration of both males and females. The scientists warn that the species may already be endangered and call for urgent conservation measures.

Not covered in Armenian media (checked 9 November)