S. magallanesi is distinguished by unique morphological and genetic characteristics. One of the features is a dark crescent-shaped spot at the base of the tail and a dark red color with a dark border on the anal fin.
The discovery was made thanks to the fieldwork of Dr. Fernando Carvajal-Vallejos, who collected specimens in a complex river system. The upper Madeira River, with its diverse habitats, was an ideal environment for the discovery of new species.
After careful morphological analysis and genetic sequencing, the team found that the piranha was significantly different from the 31 known piranha species. The results confirmed the classification S. magallanesi as a new species, which emphasizes its scientific significance.
The discovery, which highlights the Amazon’s rich biodiversity, also highlights the importance of protecting these habitats, the scientists said. Understanding the diversity and distribution of piranhas is critical to preserving the Amazon ecosystem, especially in the face of threats such as deforestation and climate change.
#Species #Piranha #Discovered #Amazon
2024-07-07 21:14:30