New Piranha-like fish with human teeth and Sauron eye marking

Researchers have found a new species of Piranha-like fish with human teeth and Sauron eye markings in the Amazon River. 

Neotropical Ichthyology researchers found this new species while conducting a genetic analysis of M. schomburgkii and named it M. sauron. Carnivorous Piranha and Sauron are from the same family.

The name was inspired from ” The lord of the rings”. Sauron is a vegetarian fish and only eats plants. It is one of the Pacu fish group members. 

The naming of “Sauron”: unveiling the inspiration behind the name

The black eye markings on Sauron’s body reminded the researchers of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most iconic villain from “The Lord of the Rings,” and they named it in honor of him. 

Pacus vs Piranhas: understanding the key differences

Pacus and Piranhas are from the same family. Most of these species are omnivores; they have plants and small animals as food. 

Pacus have unique teeth resembling humans. It helps them in grinding and crushing the plant materials. 

Insights into the Sauron fish: where does it live?

It can only be found in the Xingu River. It is in northeastern Brazil, starting from the Planalto Central Plateau. Xingu River is one of the largest tributaries of the Amazon. 

The Xingu River is rich in biodiversity. It is a home for many aquatic creatures, including freshwater dolphins and fish varieties. 

In conclusion, the researchers conducting a study in the Amazon River unexpectedly discovered a new Piranha-like fish with human teeth, and they named it Sauron.

Sauron has eye markings resembling those of the character Sauron from “The Lord of the Rings.” It is a vegetarian fish and it lives in the Xingu River in northeastern Brazil.

Featured image credits: Yachting and Boating World, Quora