A rare freshwater fish species in Papua New Guinea, absent from scientific records for over four decades, has been rediscovered. The finding is the result of a collaborative effort between scientists and local communities along the Sepik River. This survey successfully combined traditional ecological knowledge with scientific fieldwork to locate the elusive fish. The rediscovery highlights the importance of incorporating local expertise in conservation efforts. Details of the find were recently published, marking a significant win for biodiversity research in the region. The success underscores the value of community involvement in tracking and protecting vulnerable species. Further research will now focus on assessing the fish’s population and conservation status.