# Baffling Animal Rediscoveries The Brazilian Blind Characid Fish is Nearly Extinct By Tiana Reid | Published 2010-05-16 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brazilian-blind-characid-fish References: [treehugger](http://www.treehugger.com/files/2010/05/rediscovered-blind-fish-may-be-last-of-its-kind.php) & [news.bbc](http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8674000/8674388.stm) One lone Brazilian blind characid fish, part of the family of tetras and piranhas, was first discovered in 1962 in Minas Gerais, Brazil. It was identified by ichthyologists as a new species of Characiformes (a type of [ray-finned fish](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cellcycle-flaw)), but then it was never seen again. Well, until now. The [Federal University of Sao Paulo](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tubiform-solar-oven) and its team of researchers led by Dr. Cristiano Moreira have recently rediscovered the Brazilian blind characid fish in deep underground wells. Sadly, the already-small school of fish, confirmed to be the Stygichthys typhlops, is near-extinction. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.8/10 - Popularity: 42% | Activity: 34% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Rediscovery of Rare Species:** Opportunity to study and protect rare and endangered species through rediscovery. - **Underground Biodiversity Exploration:** Exploring deep underground wells for undiscovered animal species and their unique adaptations. - **Conservation Efforts for Extinct-like Species:** Implementing conservation strategies for species believed to be extinct but later rediscovered. ### Who This Affects Most - **Environmental Conservation:** Investing in initiatives and technologies to protect and preserve endangered species. - **Biodiversity Research:** Advancing research on undiscovered species and their habitats to support conservation efforts. - **Ecotourism:** Creating eco-friendly tourism opportunities centered around the exploration of rare and unique animal species. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Almost-Extinct Animal Sculptures](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fauna-series.md) - [Fish-Attracting Net Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/selective-fishing-underwater-light.md) - [Fast-Aging Fish Kidney Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mdi-biological-laboratory.md) - [Unconventional Fish Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woop4.md) - [Blind Box Frog Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sapo-concho.md) - [Rare Metal Discoveries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/niobiumrich-carbonatite.md) - [Cell-Cultivated Fish Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wanda-fish-technologies.md) - [Tasty Freezer-to-Oven Barramundi Dishes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-better-fish.md) - [Rustic Ruin-Inspired Aquariums](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-sea-of-cortez-research-center.md)