Caught on TikTok, This Translucent Earthworm Eel Is a New Species Built for Total Darkness
Learn how a TikTok video sent scientists on a mission to find and identify a new species of subterranean fish.
A tiny, translucent fish emerged from a borewell near the India-Nepal border, captured on a TikTok video that piqued the interest of researchers. This discovery led to an extensive search beneath one of South Asia's largest river plains, ultimately resulting in the identification of a new species named Gangaichthys indonepalicus.
The fish, a member of the Chaudhuriidae family, represents both a new genus and species and is the first known subterranean fish from the Gangetic Basin. Measuring just 1.5 inches (4 cm) long, G. indonepalicus possesses several characteristics associated with an underground lifestyle, including a nearly transparent body, reduced eyes hidden beneath skin, and the absence of ribs.
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