New Fish Discovered, Named After Lord Of The Rings Character

A new species of suckermouth catfish has been discovered in Africa, and scientists have named it after a popular Lord of the Rings character.

Researchers said in a study published recently in Ichthyology & Herpetology that they found a new type of fish that has some similarities to Hobbits and specifically Frodo Baggins. The fish is called Chiloglanis frodobagginsi. It's a small, brown fish with brown spots on its back and whisker appendages.

Scientists named the fish after Frodo because the fish, like the character, is a "diminutive traveler," according to Yahoo News. Hobbits, of course, are known to be small in stature. Most are homebodies, but Frodo (and Bilbo) broke the mold and went on grand, unexpected adventures.

Not only that, but the scientists also found a similar species, Chiloglanis micropogon, that was determined to be the sister species to frodobagginsi. The two fish species are similar and connected in some ways, but live thousands of miles apart. The little fish went on "an incredible journey for such a small fish," scientists said in the study. And so did Frodo, in his effort to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth.

Before this, scientists discovered a new butterfly and named it after Sauron. The butterflies and catfish aren't the first critters to be named after Lord of the Rings characters, as there is already a dinosaur (Sauroniops) and a frog (Nyctimystes sauroni) that get their name from Sauron.

The idea, scientists say, is to give newly discovered creatures fun and eye-catching names to help bring more attention and awareness to science and Earth studies. Before this, Australian scientists named a newly discovered insect after Pokemon.

In other Lord of the Rings news, WB Discovery has announced plans to develop new The Lord of the Rings movies--but it is very early days. Beyond those, an animated movie, War of the Rohirrim, is set for release in 2024.