Hungarian researchers have accidentally created a new fish species called the sturddlefish, a hybrid of the endangered Danube sturgeon and American paddlefish. The unexpected discovery has raised questions about hybridization and conservation science.

A Fish That Was Never Meant to Exist


In a surprising twist of science, researchers in Hungary have unintentionally created a new hybrid fish species, now known as the sturddlefish. The hybrid is a genetic mix of the endangered Danube sturgeon (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) and the American paddlefish, two species separated by both geography and evolution.

The sturddlefish came into existence during a laboratory experiment aimed at reproducing sturgeons through a process called gynogenesis – a type of asexual reproduction that requires sperm to activate the egg, but does not typically pass on any paternal DNA. However, instead of triggering the expected reproduction, the sperm from the American paddlefish fused with the sturgeon eggs, producing hundreds of hybrid offspring.

“Absolutely Unintentional,” Say Scientists


Attila Mozsár, a senior researcher at Hungary’s Research Institute for Fisheries and Aquaculture, expressed astonishment at the outcome. “We never wanted to deal with hybridization. It was absolutely unintentional,” he told The New York Times.

Despite the accidental nature of the experiment, the results were unprecedented. This marks the first time that hybridization between these two species has been achieved successfully.

The Traits of Sturddlefish


The hybrid fish vary in appearance and genetic composition. Some exhibit a near 50/50 genetic balance between the sturgeon and paddlefish, while others lean more heavily toward one parent species. Many carry the physical traits of sturgeons, while others resemble paddlefish more closely.

Unlike paddlefish, which typically feed on plankton, the sturddlefish have adopted the carnivorous feeding habits of sturgeons, consuming clams and crustaceans. Researchers observed that the survival rate of the hybrids was relatively high, ranging from 62 to 74 percent one month after hatching.

Conservation Questions and Ethical Dilemmas


The Danube sturgeon and American paddlefish are both considered endangered, which makes the appearance of a new hybrid species particularly intriguing. While some scientists see potential in hybrids for conservation research, others warn that creating new species – intentionally or not – could disrupt delicate ecosystems.

Currently, about 100 sturddlefish remain alive in captivity. Scientists have made it clear that they have no plans to breed more of them, acknowledging that the sturddlefish were a one-time outcome of an accidental laboratory process.

A Species Born by Mistake


Although the sturddlefish was never meant to exist, its accidental creation has offered researchers valuable insights into hybridization and the unpredictable nature of genetic science. For now, the short-lived species serves as a reminder of both the power and unpredictability of modern biology.