Fishermen and residents find new fish species in Galapagos

Undated photograph.Liaison Officer for Monitoring Space Marine Park, Eduardo Espinoza, observing a rare species of fish found in the Galapagos Islands.

A rare species of fish, belonging to the “stargazers, Uranoscopidae family”, was discovered a few days ago by fishermen in the Galapagos Islands.

This finding is the latest in a series of discoveries made by the inhabitants of the famous Ecuadorian archipelago, especially fishermen and guides, who intend to strengthen a program of “citizen science” along with the authorities.

That rare species of fish found only once, ten years ago, lives in waters between 40 and 400 meters deep and usually locates itself on the seabed to hide and catch other fish for food.

This animal is known for its rare head, kind of flat and wide, round jaws and elongated body. It was transferred to the Directorate of the Galapagos National Park (GNPS for its Spanish acronym), headquartered in Santa Cruz Island, to be examine by scientists.

After receiving the specimen, the DPGN  is expecting to conduct several studies and prepare a report to establish the location of the catch, habitat, food and characteristics, and  also the importance of this specie in the marine balance.

“Citizen Science” Program:

Thanks to these findings, the list of 29 species of sharks in the Galapagos known until 2001, has grown to 33, with input from citizens, especially fishermen, for their work, who are in daily contact with the sea. That’s why the National Park Service plans to launch a program called “Citizen Science”, which arise protocols, procedures and other arrangements for the community to contribute in such discoveries.