A newly described fish, named Harajicadectes zhumni, belongs to a group of ancient fishes that are closely related to the ancestors of land animals, including humans.
What makes this fish even more remarkable is that it had openings on top of its skull that allowed it to breathe air, a rare adaptation among fishes.
A Rare Discovery in the Red Center
JESUS OLARTE/AFP via Getty Images
Harajicadectes zhumni was discovered by an international team of researchers led by Flinders University in Australia. The fossilized remains of the fish were found in the Harajica Sandstone Member, a geological formation in Alice Spring's Finke River, one of the oldest rivers in the world.
The researchers named the fish after its resting place and the ancient Greek deities of the Red Center, the arid region of central Australia where the discovery was made.
The fish was about 40 cm long and had a streamlined body with large eyes and a mouth full of sharp teeth. It also had thick scales that covered most of its body, except for the fins and the tail.
The most distinctive feature of the fish, however, was the pair of large openings on top of its skull, behind the eyes. These openings, called spiracles, are usually found in sharks and rays, but are very rare in bony fishes.
The researchers believe that these spiracles allowed the fish to breathe air when it swam in shallow or oxygen-poor waters.
A New Perspective on the Origin of Land Animals
Harajicadectes zhumni belongs to a group of fishes called tetrapodomorphs, which are the closest relatives of the first land animals, or tetrapods.
Tetrapods are animals that have four limbs and a backbone, such as amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
The transition from fish to tetrapod is one of the most important events in the history of life, as it opened up new habitats and opportunities for evolution.
The researchers say that Harajicadectes zhumni provides new insights into this transition, as it shows that some tetrapodomorphs had already developed adaptations for living in different environments, such as breathing air.
This suggests that the evolution of tetrapods was not a simple linear process, but a complex and diverse one, with many branches and experiments along the way.
A Link to the Chinese Culture and the Year of the Dragon
Harajicadectes zhumni is not only a scientific discovery, but also a cultural one. The fish's name, which means "red clay dragon fish" in Chinese, reflects its connection to the Chinese culture and the zodiac sign of the dragon.
According to the Chinese zodiac, the dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck. People born in the year of the dragon are said to be ambitious, confident, and charismatic.
Harajicadectes zhumni is not only a fascinating creature, but also a treasure for the tea lovers. The fish's color and texture resemble a type of Yixing clay called zhuni, which is used to make teapots. Zhuni is a rare and valuable clay that has a bright orange-red hue and a smooth and silky feel. It is also known for its ability to enhance the fragrance and flavor of the tea brewed in it.
A Source of Inspiration for the Educators
Harajicadectes zhumni is not only a discovery, a culture, and a treasure, but also a source of inspiration for the educators.
The fish's story can be used to teach students about various topics, such as paleontology, evolution, geography, history, art, and mathematics.
The fish can also stimulate students' curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking skills, which are essential for learning and problem-solving.
A Glimpse into the Past and the Future
Harajicadectes zhumni is a remarkable fish that reveals a glimpse into the past and the future. It tells us about the ancient world, where life was diverse and adaptable, and where fishes were the ancestors of land animals.
It also tells us about the present world, where cultures are interconnected and where discoveries are celebrated. It also tells us about the future world, where learning is fun and where challenges are overcome.
Harajicadectes zhumni is not just a fish, but a story, a lesson, and a inspiration. It is a fish that breathes air, and a fish that breathes life.
