Rhizosomichthys totae facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rhizosomichthys totae |
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Rhizosomichthys
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totae
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Of Rhizosomichthys
Of Rhizosomichthys totae
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The Rhizosomichthys totae, also known as the greasefish, is a type of catfish. It belongs to a family of fish called Trichomycteridae. This fish is the only known species in its group, called the genus Rhizosomichthys.
This special fish could grow to about 13.8 centimeters (5.4 inches) long. It lived only in Colombia, specifically in the Lake Tota area. The Rhizosomichthys totae is now listed as critically endangered, meaning it might even be extinct. It was last seen in 1957, and only 10 of these fish were ever found. Scientists think its disappearance might be linked to 100,000 rainbow trout eggs being put into Lake Tota in 1936.
What Did the Greasefish Look Like?
The Rhizosomichthys totae had a unique appearance. Its body was circled by eight rings of fat. It also had two large areas of fat tissue on its back and head. No other fish in its family has fat organized in this way.
The Search for Lost Species
The Rhizosomichthys totae is on a special list called Re:wild's top 25 most wanted lost species. This means it is one of the animals that scientists are most eager to find again.
Organizations like SHOAL are actively searching for this fish. They are using a method called environmental DNA (eDNA). This involves collecting water samples from Lake Tota. Scientists then test the water for tiny bits of DNA that the fish might have left behind. Finding its DNA would show that the greasefish is still alive.
Why Did It Disappear?
The main reason for the greasefish's disappearance is likely the introduction of rainbow trout. In 1936, many rainbow trout eggs were brought to Lake Tota. Rainbow trout are not native to this lake. They are much larger and compete for food with native fish. They also might have eaten the greasefish or its young. This change in the lake's environment made it very hard for the Rhizosomichthys totae to survive.
