In News:

A team of Indian researchers has identified a new species of freshwater fish in the Brahmaputra River near Maijan, Dibrugarh (Assam). The species has been named Pethia dibrugarhensis, in reference to its place of discovery.

Discovery Details:

• The discovery was made during a freshwater biodiversity survey conducted by:
  • ICAR–Central Inland Fisheries Research Institute (CIFRI) – Barrackpore & Guwahati centres
  • Manipur University
• The findings were published in the international journal National Academy Science Letters (Springer Nature).

About the Species:

• Family: Cyprinidae (the carp family)
• Genus: Pethia
• Common Group: Barbs (small indigenous freshwater fish)
• Habitat: Found in moderately fast-flowing stretches of the Brahmaputra, with a mud-sand-stone substrate. It shares its habitat with other small indigenous fish species native to northeastern India.

Distinctive Characteristics:

• Incomplete lateral line
• A prominent black blotch on both dorsal and ventral sides of the caudal peduncle
• Absence of humeral marks and barbels
• These unique morphological traits set it apart from other known species in the genus Pethia.

Significance:

• The discovery highlights the rich and underexplored aquatic biodiversity of the Brahmaputra river system.
• It underscores the importance of systematic ichthyofaunal surveys for biodiversity conservation, especially in ecologically sensitive regions like the Northeast.
• According to the researchers, documenting such species is critical before they are impacted by environmental degradation and habitat loss.