‘Large’-mouthed river creature — with ‘unique’ coloring — discovered as new species

In a river of northern Myanmar, a colorful creature with a “large” mouth swam through the water. The “unique” animal caught the attention of passing scientists — and turned out to be a new species.

Researchers visited the mountainous rivers near Mogaung on a wildlife survey in 2011, according to a study published Jan. 15 in the journal Raffles Bulletin of Zoology.

While there, researchers found several “large”-mouthed fish, the study said. The fish matched some available in the aquarium trade but did not appear in scientific records.

Taking a closer look at the animals, researchers realized they’d discovered a new species: Channa rubora, or the red-rimmed snakehead fish.

Red-rimmed snakehead fish can reach about 5 inches in length, the study said. They have “large” heads with “large” mouths and “fleshy” lips. Their bodies are “light brown” and covered in “black spots.”

Photos show the “unique” coloring of the red-rimmed snakehead fish. Running along its spine, the fish has several dark brown “saddle like blotches.” Its fins are teal blue with vibrant orange edges.

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Researchers said they named the new species after the Latin words for “redness” and “rim” because of the “orange-red rim” on its fins.

In the aquarium trade, red-rimmed snakehead fish have been available since at least 2012 and were called “red fin” or “Mogaung” fish, the study said.

Like other snakehead fish, the new species has an unusual way of protecting its eggs: mouthbrooding, researchers said.

Mouthbrooding involves a fish holding its eggs in its mouth until they hatch, according to an article from the Ocean Conservancy. During this time, the parent is typically unable, or highly limited, in their ability to eat.

Red-rimmed snakehead fish have so far only been found in a river near Mogaung, the study said. A video shared on YouTube by Pooja Shivakoti shows a representative river in the area.

Mogaung is a town in northern Myanmar and about 470 miles northeast of Naypyidaw, the capital city.

The new species was identified by its coloring and body shape, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had between about 12% and 19% genetic divergence from other snakehead fish in Myanmar.

The research team included Ralf Britz, Tan Heok Hui and Lukas Rüber. The team also discovered three more new species of snakehead fish: one with red cheeks, another with “fire” eyes, and one with “saddle-like” markings.

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