Piranha-like fish with 'human teeth' and Eye of Sauron found in the Amazon

A new species of piranha-like fish, named Myloplus sauron, has been discovered in the Amazon River. The fish was previously mistaken for another species, M. schomburgkii, for almost 200 years. Researchers identified three distinct species within the M. schomburgkii population, including M. sauron and M. aylans. M. sauron was named after a stripe on its side resembling the "Eye of Sauron" from "The Lord of the Rings." Despite its ominous name, the fish is not as menacing as it sounds. Pacus, like M. sauron, are often confused with piranhas but are mainly herbivores with human-like teeth for consuming plants. The study also suggests the possibility of convergent evolution among the pacu species. Additionally, researchers found a potential fourth pacu species in the Tapajós River. Genetic differences between these fish and M. schomburgkii are being further investigated. The discovery sheds light on the diversity and evolutionary relationships within the pacu family in the Amazon region.