New Genus of Electric Fish Discovered in South America
Posted on September 25, 2013
A new genus of electric fish has been discovered in a remote region of South America. The thin eel-like fish, Akawaio penak, was found in the upper Mazaruni River in northern Guyana. DNA sequencing indicated the fish is a new genus. The fish was found by a team of international researchers, including University of Toronto Scarborough professor Nathan Lovejoy.
Akawaio penak has a long organ running along the base of the body that produces an electric field. The scientists say this electric field is too weak to stun prey. They say the fish uses it for navigation and communication with other electric fish. The electric field proves very useful in the shallow, murky waters of the Mazaruni River.
Professor Lovejoy said in a release, "The fact this area is so remote and has been isolated for such a long time means you are quite likely to find new species."
Details of the fish were published here in the journal, Zoologica Scripta.