New Stingray Species Found In Western River

[george]

New stingray species found in western river

A WWF Thailand volunteer displays Kittipong's stingray, or `Himantura kittipongi', a new species discovered in the Mae Klong river in the western province of Kanchanaburi. — Photo courtesy of WWF THAILAND

KANCHANABURI: -- A new species of freshwater stingray, or pla kraben, has been discovered in the Mae Klong river in the western province of Kanchanaburi. The new stingray, Himantura kittipongi, was named after Kittipong Jaruthanin, a prominent Thai aquarist who provided specimens to WWF Thailand for further study two years ago.

The study by WWF Thailand's senior freshwater biologist Chavalit Vidthayanon and Smithsonian Research Associate Tyson Roberts confirmed the fish was a new species in the Dasyatidae family.

Kittipong's stingray was distinguished from other species by several characteristics, they said. It has a dark spiracle and tail, and the ventral margin of disc is dark but may be covered with yellowish layer when alive. The fish has 12-14 rows of toothbands on the lower jaw, more than other Thai freshwater stingrays.

The stingray, which can grow to 60 centimetres in disc width, is believed to be native to the Mae Klong river of Kanchanaburi, said Mr Chavalit. It inhabits sandy mud bottoms of main streams.

The precise population was unknown, but was likely ''very small'', he said. Kittipong's stingray could produce only one or two offspring every one or two years.

''This new finding reflects the high diversity of the fish fauna of Thailand, especially in the Mae Klong river, which originates from the pristine western forest complex,'' Mr Chavalit said.

The ichthyologist voiced deep concern over the survival chances of the stingray and other fish species in Thai rivers, which were threatened by pollution and dam construction.

''Local participation in protection of freshwater fish habitats and preservation of prime forests are urgently needed to ensure the survival of this new stingray and other Thai fish fauna,'' he said.

--Bangkok Post 2006-04-12

[jdinasia]

Hmmm I'd say something about needing a new wallet now ... but the treehuggers would spank me!

[astral]

That was probably the last one, and now it is dead.

[h90]

how does it taste?

tom yum Himantura kittipongi?

Hmmm I'd say something about needing a new wallet now ... but the treehuggers would spank me!