Randolph-Macon College Visiting Biology Professor Ray Schmidt and his colleagues recently published papers that describe two new species of fishes.

The first species, Neobola kinondo, is from Kenya. Its discovery is a result of ongoing work in the country. The second species, Chiloglanis mongoensis, is a new small suckermouth catfish from Equatorial Guinea.

“The new catfish was discovered during my National Geographic-funded expedition to Equatorial Guinea in 2017,” explains Schmidt. “The RMC students now working with me are conducting similar projects on different fishes from Equatorial Guinea. So far we have discovered nearly a dozen new species of fishes that we will work to formally describe later this year.”

Schmidt’s students are working to compare the body shape and features of these newly discovered species to known species from the area.

“For many of these species, students are also able to sequence different genes that help to distinguish the new species,” explains Schmidt. “This work is critical and allows us to better understand and conserve the biodiversity in these threatened freshwater habitats.”

Ray Schmidt
Schmidt earned his B.S. from South Dakota State University, his M.S. from Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi and his Ph.D. from Tulane University. At RMC, Schmidt teaches a variety of courses, including Foundations of Experimental Biology, Evolution, and Biological Diversity.

His research interests focus on the diversity of African freshwater fishes. In conjunction with his research, he has conducted expeditions in several countries throughout western and eastern Africa, the most recent of which was a National Geographic-funded trip to Equatorial Guinea.