Scientists discover new species of fish in Papua New Guinea

A team of scientists from the United States and Papua New Guinea has discovered a new species of fish in the Sepik River basin of Papua New Guinea. The new species, dubbed Micrometre sized eel (Anguilliformes: Mielepidapus papua), is described in a paper published in the journal Zootaxa.

The scientists found the new fish during an expedition to survey the fish populations of the Sepik River basin. The Mielepidapus papua is a transparent eel measuring just 2.9 cm (1.1 inches) in length. It is distinguished from other eel species by its small size and its distinctive red markings on the head and body.

The discovery of this new fish highlights the importance of biodiversity conservation in Papua New Guinea. The Sepik River basin is home to many unique and threatened species of plants and animals, including several species of fish that are found nowhere else on Earth.

Rare crucian carp caught in Germany

Fishermen in a small town in Germany have caught a rare crucian carp, a fish normally found in the UK.

The carp, which weighed 2.5 kg, was caught by accident while the fishermen were trying to catch other fish in the River Regen.

The crucian carp is a non-native species that was introduced to the UK in the early 1800s. It is now found throughout England and Wales, but is still considered to be a rare catch.

The German fishermen who caught the carp said they had never seen anything like it before. They plan to release the fish back into the river.

Angler lands massive crucian carp in British waterways

A lucky angler has reeled in a massive crucian carp while fishing in a British canal – one of the biggest ever caught in the country.

The fish, which weighed an impressive 10lb 2oz (4.5kg), was hauled from the water by Tony Wilcox, who was using only a 4lb test line.

Tony, who caught the carp near his home in Newport, South Wales said, "I couldn't believe it when I saw it on the end of my line. It was a real struggle to bring it in and I was glad when I finally got it into the net."

The carp is thought to be one of the biggest ever caught in a British canal and is a real testament to the hardy nature of these fish. Crucian carp are notorious for their tenacity and can be difficult to catch, even when using heavier gear.

Anglers targeting these fish should use small hooks and light tackle, as well as live bait such as worms or maggots. Larger carp can also be caught on corn or other types of bait.

If you're looking to try your hand at catching crucian carp, then head to your nearest canal or river and get casting! These fish can often be found in shallow water near weed beds or slow-moving parts of the river, so make sure you probe all likely areas thoroughly.

Conservationists warn of falling crucian numbers

The population of crucian carp, a popular British fish, is in decline, conservationists have warned.

The alarm has been raised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), which says that over-fishing and a loss of habitat has led to a decrease in the number of these fish.

"Crucian numbers have plummeted by 95% since the 1970s, with just 2% of strongholds remaining today ", said Grahame Madge, RSPB spokesperson.

Crucian carp is a type of freshwater fish found in slow-moving waters such as ponds, canals and ditches. It is a popular target for anglers because it is considered a good sport fish.

Conservationists are calling on the government to take action to help preserve the crucian carp population. They are urging ministers to create more nature reserves and wildlife corridors where the fish can thrive.

They also want fishing restrictions to be put in place in areas where crucian carp populations are dwindling.

Crucian carp could be key to reversing Britain's declining fisheries

The crucian carp is a small, peaceable fish that has been swimming in British waterways for centuries — and scientists now believe it could hold the key to reversing the UK's declining fisheries.

Nicknamed the "chub of Warwickshire" due to its abundance in the county's waterways, the crucian carp is a bottom feeder that consumes vast quantities of aquatic plants, helping to maintain a healthy ecosystem. What's more, the fish can reach up to 14 inches in length and weigh up to 5lbs, making it an ideal target for anglers looking to improve their catch rate.

As water temperatures continue to rise and rivers become increasingly polluted, the crucian carp is becoming an ever more important figure in British fisheries. In fact, many experts believe that this humble little fish could be one of the last lines of defence against the country's mounting ecological crisis.

So why isn't more being done to promote the crucian carp? One reason may be its perceived lack of sporting value; while trout and salmon are considered prized catches for anglers, the crucian carp is seen as something of a consolation prize. This perception must change if we are to safeguard Britain's aquatic ecosystems for future generations.

There is no doubt that restoring our fisheries will take time and effort, but with the help of organisations like Angling Trust and Fish Legal, as well as local angling clubs, we can make a difference. Let's all do our bit to promote this undervalued fish and ensure its place at the heart of British ecology!