New species of predatory fish found in River Thames

A new species of predatory fish has been discovered in the River Thames, the Environment Agency revealed today.

The greater weever, which can grow to half a metre long and has venomous spines along its back, was uncovered by the Environment Agency and the Zoological Society of London as part of a two-year fish population monitoring programme.

Greater weever fish are believed to feed on small invertebrates and fish, according to the Environment Agency.

The discovery brings the number of fish species in the Thames Estuary to a total of 125.

All of these species have been caught in the tidal Thames between Fulham and Tilbury since 1964, 60 have been found since the study started in 2006.

Unusual species such as the short-nosed seahorse and edible olive-yellow coloured John Dory fish have been found, along with well-known sole, cod, sea bass and thornback ray.

Environment Agency fishery officer Emma Barton said: "The diversity and abundance of fish is an excellent indicator of the health of the Thames estuary.

"Long-term monitoring provides us with vital information that helps shape the way we manage future development on the estuary."

Matthew Gollock, Zoological Society of London's Thames conservation project manager, called the discovery of the greater weever "hugely indicative of the renaissance of the estuary."

He added: "The Zoological Society of London's partnership with the Environment Agency will help us to understand much more about the distribution and behaviour of the many species and, in the long term, help us to maintain and conserve the estuary, and increase its biodiversity."