MUSCAT: A joint research team comprising members from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and Shiraz University in Iran has registered a new species of wetland fish found in wetlands of the Sultanate of Oman.
The organism, given the name Oxyurichthys omanensis, was discovered as part of a project funded by the SQU’s Research Deanship.
Oxyurichthys omanensis was part of samples of different fish collected from the shallow, muddy waters of Khor Yetti creek in the Wilayat of Muscat.
By studying the qualities, external traits and DNA of the fish, the team concluded that it was a new find. The Omani side at the team was headed by Dr Saud bin Musallam al Jufaili, while Dr Humaid Ismaili led the Iranian side.
The experts plan to launch the first book of its kind on Omani fresh water fish. The project will be financed by Oman Environment Authority.
— ONA
