Wake up, new Lord of the Rings fish just dropped in west Africa
The intersection of science and fantasy has taken a cool turn as a newly discovered species of suckermouth catfish receives a name steeped in an homage to an iconic Tolkien character.
Detailed in a study published in the Ichthyology & Herpetology journal, the remarkable new find unveils a previously unknown species of fish dwelling in the waters of west Africa's Niger River.
What sets this aquatic creature apart is not just its distinct physical features, but the inspiration behind its newly bestowed name — Chiloglanis frodobagginsi — a direct reference to the iconic character Frodo Baggins from JRR Tolkien's epic saga, The Lord of the Rings.
It's true! The description of two new species of suckermouth catfishes is out! It has it all. A new species named after a character from the Shire, and a species described from just one specimen!https://t.co/SwjrOVZWwD
— Ray Schmidt, PhD (@AFRfreshH2O) August 1, 2023
Here is Chiloglanis frodobagginsi ! pic.twitter.com/mevU2aw66k
Chiloglanis frodobagginsi, described in the study as a small- to medium-sized catfish, measures between 0.75 to 1.5 inches in length. Its appearance boasts a medium-brown hue, adorned with light brown spots on its back, and a yellow-cream colored front side and face.
Initially, scientists believed the newly discovered fish were closely related to another species, Chiloglanis micropogon. Subsequent research, however, revealed that these two creatures are distinct sister species, each possessing their own distinctive features. Chiloglanis frodobagginsi stands apart with its eyes, whisker appendages, and teeth spread across fewer rows.
Picture this: these fish rock up with bigger eyes than their siblings, whisker appendages long enough to make Gandalf jealous, and fewer teeth in their grill than you'd find in Gollum's vocabulary. So, what do you name a fish that's pretty much the Frodo Baggins of the underwater world? Well, Chiloglanis frodobagginsi, of course.
However, the narrative thread connecting this fish to Middle Earth runs deeper than a mere nod to pop culture. The fish shares striking similarities with Tolkien's diminutive travelers. The fish have pulled off a Houdini act of separation, finding themselves distanced by a whopping 3,000 miles from their fellow catfish. And just like Frodo and his quest to toss some jewelry into a volcano, these fish have embarked on a journey of their own.
Yet, the story of Chiloglanis frodobagginsi is not without its challenges. The specimen was collected from a site severely impacted by an iron ore mine upstream. The mining activity has disrupted the fish's natural habitat, further underscoring the fragility of its existence. The scarcity of collected specimens adds to the enigma surrounding this species, rendering it a rare and precious find.
lord of the rings characters as fish, a thread pic.twitter.com/vZ6lxHdFP4
— 🌻 (@kozmicsblues) August 10, 2020
As fans eagerly anticipate new adaptations and developments in The Lord of the Rings franchise,the name Frodo Baggins will now echo not only in the halls of literature but also in the flowing waters of West Africa, forever linking a humble fish to the grandeur of Middle-earth.
One fish to rule them all? Well, maybe just one to give us a chuckle and remind us that inspiration can swim in the unlikeliest of places.