Dive into Shoal’s latest report in its mission to put more freshwater fish on the map! Each year it catalogues the ‘new’ fish that have gained a name from scientists. In 2025 there were 309 new names added to the ledger of freshwater fish diversity – that’s nearly one ‘new’ species each day through 2025, says Shoal’s leader Mike Baltzer.
Why is this work important? As Mike explains: “Without a formal scientific description, a species cannot be assessed for the IUCN Red List. It cannot be properly regulated in trade or embedded within legislation or management plans. It cannot be counted accurately in biodiversity assessments. A species without a name exists biologically but remains invisible institutionally.
“Together, these 309 species deepen our understanding of freshwater life: its adaptations to darkness and drought, its dazzling colouration, ancient lineages, and
quiet persistence in overlooked habitats. They remind us that discovery is ongoing. Beneath the surface of rivers, wetlands and caves, there is still so much left to learn.”
Check out the report for in-depth reports from the scientists about how they went about their work and, of course, some lovely photos of the fish they’ve ‘discovered’. These have been across the world, from a rubbish filled sinkhole in China to small muddy pools in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s a fascinating read!
