Batman loach returns: fish feared extinct found in Turkey

Scientists working on the Search For The Lost Fishes project have spotted the freshwater Batman River loach, which has not been seen since 1974

A freshwater fish that scientists thought was extinct has been found in south-east Turkey, after an absence of nearly 50 years.

I've been researching this area for 12 years and this fish was always on my wishlist," said Dr Cuneyt Kaya, associate professor at Recep Tayyip Erdoan University. It's taken a long time. When I saw the distinctive bands on the fish, I felt so happy. It was a perfect moment."