Popular aquarium pet identified as new fish species

A team of ichthyologists, led by Larry Page from the Florida Museum of Natural History, found the aquatic animal in its natural habitat. Conducting fieldwork in the Kasat River along the Thailand-Myanmar border, scientists found and formally identified this elusive species — the vibrant redtail garra, a popular fish species in home aquariums, has now been designated a brand new species.

The redtail garra, now scientifically named garra panitvongi, is a previously unknown species with unique characteristics. It stands out with its elongated snout, covered in tubercles that can be raised or lowered to intimidate opponents during combative encounters.

When aquarists introduce redtail garras to an aquarium, they may notice the fish resting motionless on the tank bottom. This behavior reflects the fish's natural adaptation to cling to rocky riverbeds.

The fish genus garra is one of the most diverse and widely distributed fish groups anywhere on Earth. They have been spotted in streams and rivers across the globe, from western Africa through the Middle East, to India, southern and eastern Asia, even into China.

The redtail garra, though, is apparently only found natively in the Ataran River basin.

The redtail garra's disc-shaped mouth structure helps it cling to rocks even in fast river currents. At the same time, its armored, tubercle-studded snout fends off competitors. Aquarium hobbyists prize these scraping mouthparts for their ability to eat algae and also assist in clinging behavior.

Despite the redtail garra's global popularity in aquariums, Page, the curator of ichthyology at the Florida Museum of Natural History, cautions that its natural range is limited. This highlights the broader issue of underestimated biodiversity in Southeast Asian fish species, many of which have been incorrectly classified alongside similar species from India and Indonesia. Proper identification is crucial for protecting biodiversity and informing conservation efforts.

The redtail garra species is named in honor of Nonn Panitvong. Panitvong is an author who dedicated his life to documenting nature and played a significant role in the initial observations of redtail areas in Thailand, as well as their introduction to the aquarium trade. His work exemplifies the importance of continuous species documentation in expanding our knowledge of the natural world.

The scientific journal Zootaxa published recent research formally identifying the redtail garra as a new species. In this study, the researchers provided the necessary documentation and analysis of specimens collected from the fish's natural habitat to designate it as a distinct species.

The recent scientific description of the redtail garra as garra panitvongi represents the first formal recognition of the species as distinct from other known species. It also highlights the need for ongoing species documentation to unravel nature's complexities and better understand our place within it. The biodiversity in Southeast Asia, which continues to be underestimated, requires careful species-specific conservation efforts based on proper identification and understanding of their natural range and habitat.

Scientists document new species, even for organisms known informally for years in aquarium setups. They must observe and collect in natural habitats, perform rigorous taxonomic analysis, and publish in scientific literature to document new species.

Page explains that while people may be aware of other species, they are mistaken for those from other geographic areas. As a result, the quantity and significance of some areas' biodiversity is drastically underestimated. "Many of the fishes in Southeast Asia are referred to by names given to species discovered in India or Indonesia because they look similar." He's working on a book that could be a companion to Panitvong's, describing the fishes of the Mae Klong River basin in Thailand.

For aquatic species like the redtail garra, logistical challenges in accessing remote field sites and the vast number of undescribed or poorly-understood species in genera like Garra may slow the pace of discovery.

Like the redtail garra, each newly identified species contributes significantly to our knowledge of evolutionary history, unique adaptations, and biodiversity insights. By studying this fish's anatomical modifications and vibrant red tail, scientists gain valuable insights into Southeast Asia's freshwater fishes' biogeography, relationships, and conservation needs. The discovery of new species continues to enrich our comprehension of Earth's ecosystems and their delicate balance.