Home / Science / Rare Killifish Species Rediscovered in Bolivian Pond After 20 Years
Rare Killifish Species Rediscovered in Bolivian Pond After 20 Years
17 Nov
Summary
- Rare seasonal killifish Moema claudiae found in small Bolivian pond
- Species believed extinct for over 20 years, with only known habitat destroyed
- Diverse assemblage of 7 killifish species discovered in the same location
In a remarkable discovery, researchers have found a population of the rare seasonal killifish species Moema claudiae in a small pond in Bolivia. The fish had not been recorded in the wild for more than 20 years, and its only known habitat had been largely destroyed and converted to agricultural land.
The rediscovery of this "thought to be extinct" species is being hailed as an "exceptional opportunity" to conserve it. "For me, it is something special to have rediscovered Moema claudiae," said study author Thomas Litz. "This has shown that we now have the opportunity to preserve this species in the wild."
Interestingly, the researchers also found six other species of seasonal killifish in the same habitat, making it the most genetically diverse assemblage of these fish ever documented worldwide. Experts believe this high diversity is due to the convergence of different hydrographic and ecological units in the area.
The scientists are now hoping this location will be protected in the near future to preserve the only known living population of M. claudiae and the most diverse area for rivulids (a family of killifishes) in South America.
