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Biology researchers at UL Lafayette have helped solve a case of mistaken identity — of an electric fish from South America. Their work led the International Institute for Species Exploration at Arizona State University to include the newly named species of banded knifefish, Gymnotus omarorum, in its annual list Top Ten Species List.

Gymnotus omarorum has been used as a model in neurophysiological research for more than 30 years. But scientists had misidentified the fish as Gymnotus carapo, a separate species. Dr. James Albert, an assistant professor of biology and microbiology, and Mathilde Rocher-de-Forges, a former UL Lafayette biology doctoral student, are among the authors of a scientific paper that set the record straight about the fish’s true identity.

“ Species of Gymnotus are usually difficult to tell apart, so most people just tend to name them all Gymnotus carapo. In other words, many species are hiding under this name,” said Rocher-de-Forges in a recent interview.

The fish produce a weak electric field using specially adapted muscle tissue located near their tails. Because they can sense movements within the field, they can hunt prey and avoid predators, even in total darkness. They also use electric signals to communicate with one another.

On its web site, the IISE said the discovery of the distinct species emphasizes the importance of biodiversity research: “This highlights how little we know about biodiversity when ‘a model organism’ can remain undescribed for 30 years.”