New Species 2025 Report Released

Front cover of report shows Ancestor Cory Hoplisoma noxium. This is a deep-bodied catfish with a sloping head profile, and flattened ventral surface, giving the fish a triangular lateral profile. It has barbels around the ventral suckermouth, strong pectoral fins, a large dorsal fin with two dorsal spines and 7 soft rays. The head is brown with dense beige spots, while the flanks are pinkish beige with dense dark spots. The fins are dark with pale spots and the tail is pale with dark spots. The fish is resting on a smooth rock with dark water and vegetation behind it. Image © Hans Evers

This World Wildlife Day, SHOAL release their fifth annual New Species report: New Species 2025, containing the third highest number (309) of species descriptions in any year since records began way back in 1758!! New species include the beautiful Black Arrow Tetra, the Sicklefin Redhorse, which is the largest new native fish found in North America in the last century, and the powerfully toxic Ancestor Cory.

New Species 2025 is a collaboration between SHOAL, the IUCN Freshwater Fish Specialist Group, and the California Academy of Sciences. As well as highlighting the newly described species, it deep dives into a selection of fish species and showcases some of their incredible adaptations.
See Report here