Rare species — named after Lord of the Rings character — found in New Zealand
In New Zealand, there is a rare species of fish with “large eyes,” a short body and a “preference for swampy habitats.”
Noting its similarities to one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s most iconic characters, some experts described the species, recognized as threatened and nationally vulnerable, as “precious.”
Now, a new population of Gollum galaxias — named after Gollum from “The Lord of the Rings” — has been found thriving in the Waimatuku Stream, according to an April 14 news release from the New Zealand Department of Conservation.
“You might even say they’re ‘precious’,” Hoffmann said.
This is the first record of Gollums in the stream, according to the release.
“We’re now looking at ways to find out more about their populations and ensure they can thrive here,” Hoffmann said.
Gollums can range from gray to olive green and their speckled pattern makes them “look like they’ve been dipped in gold metallic dust,” according to the Department of Conservation. They can reach over 5 inches in length, with most usually under 3 inches.
The fish are also found in freshwater streams on Rakiura/Stewart Island.
“It’s thought they got there during an ice age when a land bridge was present,” experts said in the release.
The Gollums were recorded near Invercargill at the southern tip of New Zealand.
This story was originally published April 17, 2025 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Rare species — named after Lord of the Rings character — found in New Zealand."
