Mongabay · Climate & nature

Spinach Pipefish Rediscovered After 40 Years

A freshwater pipefish, not seen by scientists for four decades, has been rediscovered in Papua New Guinea's Sepik River. The species was found by a local fisherwoman during an expedition aimed at locating 'lost' species.

Helen Asu found two greenish-brown fish, identified as spinach pipefish (Microphis spinachioides), while fishing near Imbando village. This species was last scientifically recorded in 1985.

The spinach pipefish, a freshwater relative of seahorses, grows to about 15 cm and is camouflaged among aquatic plants. Its original specimen was destroyed in World War II, and it was classified as data deficient by the IUCN.

The fish was listed among the 10 most sought-after species on the 'Lost Fishes' list. An expedition led by Jerrica Agebigo aimed to confirm its survival and identify threats.

The rediscovery, made possible by Asu's local ecological knowledge and daily fishing activities, will enable scientists to gather crucial information about the species after a 40-year gap in confirmed records.

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