Viet Nam finds 12 new freshwater fish species

Fishing for compliments: The diminutive mouth-brooding Betta prima was recently discovered on Phu Quoc Island. — Photo courtesy Wildlife at Risk

HCM CITY — Twelve species of fresh water fish have been found that are new to Viet Nam, according to the local biodiversity protection organisation Wild Life at Risk (WAR).

WAR announced yesterday that a research study that began in 2008 on Phu Quoc Island in the Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta's Kien Giang Province had turned up species hither unknown in the country.

Two of the species – thia lia ap mieng (Betta prima) and pearl danio (Danio pulcher) have been recorded in Viet Nam, but under a wrong name (Betta pugnax ) and a general name (Brachydanio albolineatus), it said.

Four other species – the lambchop rasbora (Trigonostigma espei), chach duoi gai (Barbucca cf. diabolica), heo rau duoi che (Lepidocephalichthys furcatu) and lang suoi nau (Amblyceps cf. foratu) – have also been found in Malaysia, Indonesia, Lao, Cambodia and Thailand.

Bui Huu Manh, a senior official with WAR, said: "The discovery of these fresh water fish species in Viet Nam shows that there is a possibility of other non-commercial fish species that have not been discovered in the country."

According to WAR, many fresh water species experienced a reduction in quantity because of pollution or losing habitats, thus the discovery of the new species to Viet Nam is significant to protect them. — VNS