Describe a New Species Project

The purpose of this research project is to describe new fish species for science, a demanding endeavor that combines history, scientific rigor, and a deep commitment to conservation. To understand its value, it is necessary to remember that in the 18th century, the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus revolutionized biology by establishing the binomial classification system. Thanks to this system, each organism received a universal Latin name composed of genus and species, which put an end to the chaos of common names and laid the foundations for modern taxonomy.

Today, a species new to science is one that, after exhaustive analysis, does not match any previous description. Formally recognizing it not only expands our knowledge of biodiversity but also contributes to protecting ecosystems and opens up opportunities in areas such as medicine, agriculture, and biotechnology. However, this process is not simple. International zoological nomenclature establishes strict rules, the most important of which is the Principle of Priority, which validates only the first published name with a complete description. This requires researchers to work with great ethics and discretion, as one mistake can invalidate years of work.

The magnitude of this challenge is evident in regions such as the Amazon and Orinoco basins, where some 4,000 species of freshwater fish are currently known. However, the most recent studies estimate that the actual biodiversity could be double that. In other words, we barely know half of the biological wealth that these rivers, considered among the most diverse on the planet, should harbor.

This project is supported by the extensive experience of its principal researchers, who have over 35 years of experience, more than 200 expeditions, and over 80 inventories and conservation projects in Venezuela, the Caribbean, the Neotropical region, and the Atlantic and Pacific coasts of the Americas. Thanks to this track record, multiple groups with high potential to contain new species have been identified: tetras, piranhas, cichlids, plecos, electric fish, killifish, gobies, guppies, sharks, and rays, among others.

However, describing a new species is a long, complex, and expensive process. Developing a project of this type requires at least one year of continuous work and the participation of eight to ten professionals specialized in areas such as taxonomy, genetics, ecology, biogeography, and conservation. The process involves 12 key stages:

1- Preliminary background study and bibliographic review.

2- Field work with capture of specimens and collection of environmental data.

3- Laboratory analysis and review of biological collections.

4- Study of external morphology through measurements and descriptions.

5- Study of internal morphology with x-rays, tomography and dissections.

6- Statistical analysis of morphological data.

7- Genetic and molecular studies with DNA extraction and sequencing.

8- Preparation of phylogenetic and comparative analyses.

9- Biogeographic and ecological analysis supported by geographic information systems.

10- General synthesis and interpretation of results.

11- Writing and refereeing a scientific manuscript in a specialized journal.

12- Official registration in Zoobank, final publication and recognition of the species.

Each of these phases requires the hard work of several specialized scientists, who must invest their time, specialized equipment, travel to remote areas, and sustained funding. Without financial support, advancing this type of research becomes virtually impossible.

Therefore, we extend an open invitation to collaborate and financially support this effort. Each contribution will contribute to the discovery and registration of species before they disappear forever, strengthening the conservation of aquatic ecosystems and ensuring a legacy of knowledge for future generations. Investing in this project means investing in biodiversity, science, and the future of our planet.

If you would like more detailed information about this project please email us at: oscar.lasso@gmail.com

An example of a study of the description of a new species, carried out by our team, can be seen here.