They were looking at a new species. Researchers visited the Steelpoort River in 2012 and 2021 to survey aquatic life , according to a July 17 study in the peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology.

The species has anywhere from 68 to 128 teeth at the front of the upper jaw, while other related species found in southern Africa "consistently have fewer than 68," according to the study.

Scientists searching for an extinct fish found a “large”-headed river creature and discovered a new species, a study said and photos show. Photo from Zarei, Mathebula and Chakona (2025) In a ...

Scientists found a “large”-mouthed river creature, sometimes kept as aquarium pet, in Zambia and discovered a new species, a study said. Photo from Adrian Indermaur In a river of southern ...