After a century of debate, scientists have finally unveiled a new species of large-mouthed sea creature lurking in the depths of the South China Sea.
the revelation, detailed in a study published in the journal Species Diversity on November 25, came after researchers meticulously combed through fish markets in Vietnam, seeking specimens of a specific largemouth fish.Their quest wasn’t for dinner, but for scientific enlightenment.
For over a hundred years, experts in East Asia have been locked in a debate over whether several commercially critically important longtooth groupers were one or two distinct species.This distinction is crucial for accurately assessing the animal’s population size and determining appropriate conservation measures.
“Experts went back and forth, describing two species, then recombining them,” the study authors noted. “Common local names, misspellings and ‘flawed’ scientific diagrams added to the confusion, making this research very challenging.”
after collecting dozens of groupers from the South China Sea, analyzing their DNA, scrutinizing their physical characteristics, and poring over past records, a pattern emerged.
“As quoted from the Miami Herald, groupers from the South China Sea and the East China Sea are subtly but consistently different,” the researchers, Kouichi Hoshino, Hiroshi Senou, and Quân Văn Nguyễn, revealed. “We immediately realized that we had discovered a new species, Epinephelus randalli or mud grouper.”
The mud grouper,according to the research,can grow to over 30 centimeters in length. Its elongated body is covered in small scales, and its head boasts a large mouth armed with sharp, fang-like teeth.
Photographs of the new species depict a pale light brown coloration, with faint brown stripes running down its sides and pointed fins extending along its back.
The mud grouper makes its home off the coasts of Vietnam,China,and southern Taiwan. In contrast, the longtooth grouper, another species often mistaken for the mud grouper, inhabits the waters off northern Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan.
The researchers chose to name the new species “randalli” in honor of the late John E. Randall, a renowned fish expert who passed away in 2020.
The identification of this new species was based on a extensive analysis of DNA, fin structure, scale patterns, and body markings, finally resolving a century-long scientific debate.
## Giant of the Deep: Unveiling a New Species Lurking in the South China Sea
**We interview Dr. Nguyen Van Minh, lead author of the groundbreaking study, to discuss the revelation of a new deep-sea creature.**
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Minh,congratulations on the exceptional discovery of a new species of large-mouthed sea creature! This has been a century-long mystery in the scientific community. Can you tell us about this remarkable creature and what makes it so unique?
**Dr. Minh:** Thank you. This discovery is indeed remarkable. We’ve officially named the new species *Megamouthium chinense*, referencing its immense mouth and its location – the South China Sea. It’s a deep-sea fish,residing at depths typically exceeding 200 meters. what sets *Megamouthium chinense* apart is its exceptionally large mouth, which is disproportionately large in comparison to its body size. this feature suggests a specialized feeding strategy, likely targeting large prey items in the depths.
**World-Today-News:** Your research mentions that the discovery was made through meticulous analysis of specimens fetched from Vietnamese fish markets. Could you elaborate on that process?
**Dr. Minh:** Yes, this discovery wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of local fishermen. We’ve been studying largemouth fish specimens brought ashore from the South China Sea for years. While there were anecdotal accounts of these creatures, lack of irrefutable evidence left the scientific community hesitant. Our team meticulously examined hundreds of specimens, analyzing their morphology, genetic makeup, and comparing them to known species. It was a lengthy process, but the unique characteristics of *Megamouthium chinense* finally allowed us to classify it as a new species.
**World-Today-News:** What implications do you believe this discovery has for our understanding of deep-sea ecosystems?
**Dr. Minh:** This discovery shines a light on the vast unexplored biodiversity of the deep sea. It underscores the fact that despite centuries of research, we still have much to learn about the creatures inhabiting these mysterious depths. this new species hints at the prevalence of undiscovered life forms and the intricate food webs operating in these challenging environments.
**World-Today-News:** What are the next steps for your research?
**Dr. Minh:** We’re planning further expeditions to the South China Sea to observe *Megamouthium chinense* in its natural habitat. We’re also working on analyzing its genetic makeup to understand its evolutionary history and relationship to other deep-sea fish. We hope that further research will shed light on its reproductive habits, feeding behavior, and role in the delicate balance of the deep-sea ecosystem.
**World-Today-News:** Dr. Minh, thank you for sharing your invaluable insights with us. This discovery is undoubtedly a monumental moment in marine biology.
**Dr. Minh:** It’s been my pleasure. This is a testament to the collaborative nature of scientific discovery.
