Muscat – A new species of fish living in the mudflat environment has been discovered in the Omani waters, informed Sultan Qaboos University after a detailed study.

‘A joint research team from the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and Shiraz University in Iran has documented a new species from a mudflat/estuary (wetland) habitat in Khor Yiti in the wilayat of Muscat,’ SQU said in a statement.

The research team has christened it as Oman’s Eyebrow Goby, with a scientific name – Oxyurichthys omanensis.

Oxyurichthys omanensis was part of different fish samples collected from the shallow and muddy waters of Khor Yiti creek in the wilayat of Muscat. By studying the qualities, external traits and the DNA of the fish, the team concluded that it was a new find. The Omani team was headed by Dr Saud Musallam al Jufaili, while Dr Humaid Ismaili led the Iranian side.

The joint team plans to launch a first-of-its-kind book on Omani fresh water fish, with funding from the Environment Authority.