Besides its impressive appearance, the jade toadfish is also surprising because it lives at an altitude of 1,800m, while previous toadfish species were only found at altitudes of 250m – 1,740m.

Vietnamese and German reptile and amphibian researchers have just discovered and announced a species of lumpy toad fish in the Central Highlands.

Ngoc Linh lumpy toad fish.

The new species has the scientific name Tylototriton ngoclinhensis – jade toad fish . This is a very surprising and interesting new discovery about amphibians belonging to the Caudata tailed amphibian order in Vietnam.

Up to now, 6 species of toad fish have been discovered in Vietnam and these species are only found in the North to Nghe An. This new announcement has helped reptile and amphibian researchers in the future discover other new species of toad fish in the Central region from Quang Binh to Kon Tum.

In the journal ZooKeys , researchers said the new species was proven based on distinct morphological and molecular biological evidence. This is a special discovery because it is one of the most colorful species in the genus Tylototriton and is also the first time a toad fish has been recorded in the Central Highlands, at an altitude of 1,800m.

This is one of the most colorful species in the genus Tylototriton

Ngoc Linh lumpy toad fish was first discovered in 2018. Reptile and amphibian researcher, Mr. Phung My Trung, said that at that time he knew for sure that this was a new species and would be the most interesting announcement for the species. with the Caudata tailed amphibian in Vietnam.

But it took more than 4 years, after many solo surveys in deep abysses and high mountains, for him to have the opportunity to collect enough research samples and prepare to announce the species of toad fish that he described as “extremely beautiful”. and this is extremely rare .