‘Large’ river predator bought at market in Myanmar turns out to be new species
In a river of Myanmar, a “large” predator with “thick” skin swam along the riverbed in search of its next meal. Instead, something pulled it toward the surface, carried it away and put it on sale at a market.
Scientists bought the “broad”-headed animal — and discovered a new species.
A team of researchers visited several rivers, villages and markets in Myanmar between 2007 and 2019 to survey aquatic life, according to a study published June 24 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Over the surveys, researchers found 21 “cryptic”-looking catfish, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the animals, analyzed their DNA and realized they’d discovered a new species: Bagarius dolichonema, or the long-threaded catfish.
Long-threaded catfish are considered “large,” reaching over 1 foot in length, the study said. Their “broad” and “triangular” heads have a “prominent” snout, “thick” skin and “small” eyes. Its teeth are “cone-shaped.”
Photos show the new species. Overall, its body is creamy brown with some reddish spots and various black markings on its sides and fins.
Researchers said they named the new species after the Greek words for “long” and “thread or yarn” because of the “filamentous extensions” on its fins.
Like other Bagarius catfish, the new species is a bottom-dwelling predator, the study said. Researchers dissected the stomachs of two catfish and found shrimp, crab claws and smaller fish, indicating it has a “broader diet” and can swallow body parts “even when the prey is too large.”
Long-threaded catfish are “caught and sold as a food fish in Myanmar,” researchers said. During their 2007 surveys, the team saw “considerable quantities” of these catfish being sold at a fish market.
So far, long-threaded catfish have been found in two provinces of northern and central Myanmar as well as a river in India, the study said. The new species likely lives in China.
It was identified by its head shape, fin shape, spines, skeleton and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least about 6% genetic divergence from related species.
The research team included Yu-Yang Zeng, Xin-Rui Pu, Hao-Tian Lei, Thaung Naing Oo and Xiao-Yong Chen.
The team also discovered a second new species of Bagarius catfish in China.
This story was originally published June 25, 2025 at 1:38 PM with the headline "‘Large’ river predator bought at market in Myanmar turns out to be new species."
