'Lord of the Rings' Fish? Researchers Identify New Close Relative of Piranhas, Name It After Sauron From LOTR

(Photo : Pexels / Orest Sv)

Researchers were able to identify a new fish species that is closely related to piranhas.

The researchers have also decided to name the fish after The Lord of the Rings' main antagonist, Sauron.

Myloplus Sauron

This newly identified fish species, named Myloplus sauron, is from the Amazon Rainforest region of South America. However, it appears to be restricted to Brazil's Xingu River basin.

The fish is mainly a herbivore that feeds on plants. It is also a kind of pacu, which is a fish group belonging to the Serrasalmidae family, which also comprises piranhas.

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Two Fish Identified

Scientists were able to identify two new species of pacu, with M. sauron being one of them. They have noted the species in the "Integrative taxonomy of the black-barred disk pacus (Characiformes: Serrasalmidae), including the redescription of Myloplus schomburgkii and the description of two new species" study.

The two new descriptions are based on a review of the region's serrasalmids. This review led to the redescription of Myloplus schomburgkii. This species is the one that is most easily recognized because of its vertical black bar that can be observed in its body's middle.

However, the latest study showed that the specimens of fish that were identified as M. schomburgkii in the past actually comprised two different species. These are, namely, Myloplus aylan and M. sauron. The new species also has a vertical bar in the flank.

DNA analysis revealed that M. aylan, M. sauron, and M. schomburgkii were all separate species. The DNA analysis was able to distinguish unique genetic profiles. It was also able to closely look into the bodies of various specimens.

Researchers were able to observe the subtle variations in vertical bar shape, anal fin shape of females, total vertebrae count, and other features.

It appears that the two new species' existence was obscured by the three fish' similar appearance, most notably the black bar presence.

Valéria Machado, the study's lead author, shows that the results show that a hidden species existed within the Myloplus Schomburgkii.

Machado noted that the three fish species were thought to be a single taxon. However, they are actually very different species when it comes to their morphology and genetics. The species separation is crucial as fish are quite appreciated in the market for aquariums and also for riverside population consumption within the Amazon.

The M. suaron's notable appearance led researchers to name it after LOTR's famous villain, Sauron, who is symbolized by a "Great Eye" in the film and novel.

Rubert Collins, a senior fish curator from the Natural History Museum and a study author, explained that when one colleague came up with the name, they thought that it was perfect for the fish. The fish species has a pattern that is similar to the Eye of Sauron, especially with its orange patches.

With much diversity in the Amazon and the rivers that surround it that remain undescribed, the fish's name is a reminder to keep an eye out for such species across South America.