New fish species discovered in New South Wales, Australia

Scientists have recently identified a new species of fish from 15 million years ago, named Ferruaspis brocksi. This discovery was made in an area called McGraths Flat in New South Wales, Australia. Remarkably, some of the fossils contain the remains of the fish's last meals, giving insights into their diet. The fossils reveal that Ferruaspis brocksi primarily fed on small insects, particularly phantom midge larvae, as well as bivalves like clams. This finding is significant because it is the first fossil of a freshwater smelt, a type of fish, found in Australia. Researchers hope this information will help them understand when smelt and their relatives first appeared on the continent. Matthew McCurry, who led the study, emphasizes the importance of this discovery. The well-preserved fossils allow scientists to explore Australia's ancient ecosystems and the evolution of its fish species during the Miocene epoch, between 11 and 15 million years ago. Using advanced microscopes, researchers examined the fossils embedded in goethite, a mineral rich in iron. They found details about the fish’s bones, coloring cells, and stomach contents, which had all been preserved remarkably well. The discovery of several specimens helps researchers piece together what these fish looked like. McCurry states that these fossils indicate the area was once a rich temperate rainforest, teeming with life. Additionally, the scientists found fossilized pigment cells, which allowed them to infer the fish's likely coloration. This fish had a darker back, a lighter belly, and two stripes along its sides. Such findings are the first of their kind for reconstructing the color patterns of ancient fish from fossilized remains.