Emily Chan
“The three species were considered a single taxon, when in fact they are very distinct species genetically and morphologically as well.”
“This separation of species is important since these fish are highly appreciated in the aquarium market and also for consumption by riverside populations in the Amazon.”
The researchers came up with the name for M. sauron after drawing inspiration from The Lord of the Rings.
The villain depicted in the novel and film adaptations is represented by a “Great Eye.” The pattern of M. sauron is similar to the Eye of Sauron, especially with its orange patches.
Other animals have been named after Sauron as well, including a frog, a dinosaur, and a group of butterflies.
Overall, the Amazon is full of biodiversity that still has not been identified, and M. sauron is a stark reminder of that.
The study was published in the journal Neotropical Ichthyology.
