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A previously unknown electric fish has been discovered in the shallow, murky waters of the upper Mazaruni River in northern Guyana.

The "Akawaio Penak", a slender, eel-like electric knifefish, was recently discovered by team of international researchers, and careful analysis of its tissue samples revealed that it is so distinct that it represents an entirely new genus. The upper Mazaruni River is absolutely thriving with biological diversity but is still largely unexplored because it is so remote. The area contains countless rivers as well as uplands that have remained isolated from the rest of South America for more than 30 million years, meaning that is is a very likely home for other undiscovered new species.

The Akawaio Penak does however share some similarities to other electric knifefish in that it has a long organ running along the base of the body that produces an electric field. The electric field isn't strong enough to stun prey. Instead it uses it to navigate through the water, communicate with other electric fish and locate objects. And seeing that it lives in dark and turbid water, the fish's electric field helps it to survive and thrive in its murky habitat.