A new species of giant killi fish has been discovered in the temporary wetlands of Chaco National Park in Argentina. The discovery was made by researchers from Conicet, various Argentine universities, and the National Museum of Natural History of Uruguay.
This finding is significant because it enriches our understanding of biodiversity in one of Argentina's most threatened regions. The species belongs to the genus Titanolebias, known for its larger size compared to other killis.
Key details about the new species:
First sighted in June 2023 in the Rio Negro basin.
The discovery occurred just before the wetlands dried up.
Named T. calvinoi, it highlights the importance of national parks as biodiversity refuges.
Seasonal killis, or annual fish, live in ephemeral pools that dry up periodically. They have adapted to these conditions by growing quickly, maturing in weeks, and producing desiccation-resistant eggs that survive in dry mud until the rains return.
The situation for these fish in Argentina is concerning, with over half of the 18 recognized seasonal killi species facing some level of extinction threat. This discovery underscores the urgent need for increased research and conservation efforts to protect these unique fish.