One fish species in particular is baffling scientists. A report concerning this catfish lookalike was published in this year’s issue of the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
One fish species in particular is baffling scientists. A report concerning this catfish lookalike was published in this year’s issue of the Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia.
The very small fish is rarely seen by humans. Classified as a subterranean dweller, it was first designated as a species back in 2011.
Somewhat resembling the creepy creature from the movie ‘Alien’, it has a bulging lower jaw, reminiscent of what you would see in a bulldog. The species also has modified bones in its face and numerous rows of sharp-tipped teeth.
John Lundberg, who is affiliated with the study stated “The more we looked at the skeleton, the stranger it got. The characteristics of this animal are just so different that we have a hard time fitting it into the family tree of catfishes.”
Lundberg and his colleagues used high-definition CAT scans and digital radiography to take a closer look at the fish’s bones. The researchers aren't quite sure what caused the unique bone structure in the fish, but thus far they’re ruled out diet as a contributing factor.
It’s also not known if the seemingly odd skeletal features have a purpose.
