Myotis vivesi

The "Myotis vivesi" commonly known as the fish-eating bat or fish-eating myotis, is a captivating species found around the Gulf of California. It is the largest bat species in the Myotis genus in the Americas, easily identified by its sizeable feet, which are perfectly adapted for hunting. This unique bat was first described in 1901 by Auguste Ménégaux and occupies the sole position in the subgenus Pizonyx.

Physically, "Myotis vivesi" boasts elongated hind feet and wings expertly adapted for hunting. Its fur ranges from fawn to brown, with a lighter underside. These bats primarily feed on marine fish and crustaceans, and their guano color can reveal their diet. They are capable of traveling long distances to forage and have adapted to their arid environment by concentrating their urine to drink seawater.

Geographically, these bats are found in the Mexican states of Sonora, Baja California, and Baja California Sur, primarily on small islands in the Gulf of California. They prefer to roost in caves or under rocks and sometimes share their space with various bird species.

In terms of taxonomy, "Myotis vivesi" was initially classified under the genus Pizonyx but is now more commonly included in the Myotis genus. Interestingly, it is closely related to other New World Myotis species that have not adapted to eating fish, suggesting an instance of convergent evolution. Thus far, no subspecies of "M. vivesi" have been identified, and there are no known fossils directly associated with the species.