New South American Electric Fish Secluded for 30 Million Years

Original story by Rebekah Marcarelli, Headlines & Global News

A new species of electric fish has been identified in a remote area of Guyana, South America.

A team, led by Professor Nathan Lovejoy, looked at tissue samples of fish collected on a recent expedition, a University of Toronto press release reported. The secluded area where the fish thrives is characterized by isolated uplands and a bounty of rivers. It is largely unexplored, having been cut off from the developing world for 30 million years.

“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,” Lovejoy said. There has been an exceptional amount of biological diversity found in the location.

The researchers performed DNA sequencing on the samples and found the fish is so unique that it creates an entire new genus (“the taxonomic classification level above species”).

The fish has been dubbed Akawaio penak, and is considered to be an electric knife fish. It is named after Akawaio Amerindians who populate the local region. Gold mining in the area has depleted much of the once-plentiful fresh water.

Akawaio has a “shockingly” large organ running the length of its body that is responsible for the electric field. The fish doesn’t use its electric field to stun prey, as many electric fish do; instead the eel-like creature uses it to navigate. The electricity also helps the fish detect objects and talk to other peers.

“The Mazaruni contains many unique species that aren’t found anywhere else in the world. It’s an extremely important area in South America in terms of biodiversity,” Lovejoy said.

The Mazaruni River is 350 miles long; much of it has never been explored, partially because of intermittent rapids. Encyclopedia Britannica reported. It merges with the Cuyuni River when it reaches Bartica. Along with gold, it also is Guyana’s main mining ground for alluvial diamonds.

Guyana on the Mazaruni River