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New Native Fish Found

Otago University zoologists have discovered a new species of native fish in the streams of the Taieri river system. The small, inconspicuous galaxiid -- a relative of the whitebait -- is the first new freshwater species to be spotted in almost 25 years.

It is difficult to tell the new species from other galaxiids. Even the zoologists weren't sure until the fish's genetic makeup was analysed. The Department of Conservation is funding a study to see how widely distributed the new species is in the South Island. Professor Colin Townsend, head of the university's Zoology Department, says that the team hopes to publish their research and to name the new species within the next few months.

"Galazias otagoense is the most likely name", he said.