One of the new species – a 25-cm-long grunter found in the remote and spectacular Prince Regent River – is set to be named after writer and novelist Tim Winton.
“It’s in recognition of his contribution to Australia’s cultural life, his love of fish which shines through in many of his novels, and his staunch advocacy for conservation in the Kimberley,” Mr Shelley said.
Mr Winton said it was ‘surprisingly gratifying’ to have his name attached to a new species of fish.
“The Kimberley is a treasure that clearly requires more study and greater protection and groundbreaking discoveries like these underline just how much there is still to learn about this special region,” Mr Winton said.
All the remaining new species will receive a common name reflecting the aboriginal name for the area it was collected from or words describing its features, as well as a Latin scientific name.
Research describing the new species is published online in the journal Global Ecology and Biogeography.