|
Lacantunia enigmatica is a species of catfish discovered on the Lacantún River in the Mexican state of Chiapas. The discovery of this fish occurred on July 24, 2005 by Philadelphia-based Academy of Natural Sciences. Its traits are so distinct that it represents a whole new family of fish.
Overview Currently, Lacantunia enigmatica is the sole member of its scientific family. Its distinct traits indicate that the idiosyncric fish falls into an ancient group of fish whose origins may trace back to the days of the dinosaurs. Deviations from Common Catfish Key variations are in the shape of the animal's skull, jaw muscles, air bladder—which fish use to rise and sink in water—and, perhaps most noticeably, the wispy barbels, or whiskers, around its mouth. Prey Lacantunia enigmatica mainly feeds on small crawfish, small fish, and other prey, similar to other modern catfish. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
|
| |