New fossilised fish species discovered in Thailand

A new fossilised fish species Khoratichthys gibbus, dating back 150 million years, unearthed in Nakhon Ratchasima. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)

NAKHON RATCHASIMA - Researchers on Friday confirmed the discovery of a new fossilised fish species dating back 150 million years, found in Nakhon Ratchasima and named Khoratichthus gibbus.

The discovery of Khoratichthys gibbus was announced at a news conference at the Northeastern Research Institute of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources, Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University.

The press conference was led by Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of Nakhon Ratchasima Rajabhat University Council, Sumet Amporn, director of Nakhon Ratchasima National Resources and Environment Office, Rajabhat University rector Wichian Foisakul and Prathueng Jintasakul, director of the institute.

The fish fossil was found at Ban Non Sao-ae village in tambon Wang Mee, Wang Nam Khieo district. It is a new, humped freshwater species, never found anywhere else before, and dates to the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous period, about 150 million years ago, speakers said.

The fossil was first seen by local resident Viroj Pinpok near Tham Khunjon waterfall at Non Sao-ae in 1997.

In 2014, Thai researchers and fossil ichthyologists from Switzerland began a study which recently concluded the fossil was of a previously unknown and long extinct freshwater species.

The Khoratichthys gibbus, 36cm long, 12cm wide and 8cm thick, was named after the place it was discovered and its for outstanding characteristic - a large protuberance above its neck.

Researchers' representatives announce the discovery of the new fossilised fish species at the Northeastern Research Institute of Petrified Wood and Mineral Resources in Nakhon Ratchasima on Friday. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)

A cast of the Khoratichthys gibbus fossil, which dates to the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous period, about 150 million years ago. (Photo by Prasit Tangprasert)