New Species Discovered

Timaru Herald
Publish date: October 31, 2001 09:18 AM

SOUTH CANTERBURY, New Zealand (Oct. 31) – NIWA scientists have confirmed the unusual variety of fish discovered by a Twizel Department of Conservation officer recently, is a new species.

The fish has yet to be named and described but DNA testing has proved it is a new species related to other varieties found in the lower Ahuriri area.

NIWA scientist Bob McDowell said the fish appeared to be related to whitebait but had no idea whether it would taste as good as the delicacy.

Mr McDowell and Twizel DoC ranger Simon Elkington said while a few possible names for the new variety of fish had been discussed a name had not yet been chosen.

DoC staff made the discovery when surveying freshwater fish on a property in the lower Ahuriri in August. Among their catch of native bullies in the old drain were a number of the small unusual looking fish.

Mr McDowell said finding a new species of fish was not as uncommon as some people thought. Three new species of fish had been found in the Taieri River in the last three to four years.

He said work will continue on formally naming and describing the fish, it is expected the work will be completed by the middle of next year.

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