Five new fish species from threatened Congo wetlands

In remote regions of south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, five previously unknown species of freshwater fish have been discovered and scientifically described. The new taxa, four seasonal Nothobranchius cyprinodonts and one Lacustricola lampeye, were identified using an integrative approach combining colour patterns, morphometric data, and mitochondrial DNA analysis. Each species represents a genetically distinct lineage, expanding our understanding of the diversity in the Nothobranchius brieni group and in Lacustricola genus. These fishes inhabit ephemeral wetland habitats that form during rainy seasons, rendering these ecosystems exceptionally vulnerable to agriculture and water abstraction, as well as mining. The discovery underscores not only the remarkable, hidden biodiversity of the upper Congo drainage but also the urgency of protecting these fragile freshwater systems. The study highlights how targeted exploration in poorly surveyed regions continues to yield significant taxonomic and conservation insights, reminding us how much of the African biodiversity still remains undescribed.

Nagy, B. 2025. Review of cyprinodontiform fishes in the upper Congo drainage with descriptions of four new species of seasonal Nothobranchius (Nothobranchiidae) and a new species of ‘Lacustricola’ Lampeye (Procatopodidae) in South-Eastern DR Congo. Ecology and Diversity, 2 (2), 10006. https://doi.org/10.70322/ecoldivers.2025.10006.