By ROOPAK GOSWAMI
Guwahati, Sep 29: Fish enthusiasts have reason to celebrate as researchers have found a new species, Garra dohjei, discovered in the pristine waters of Meghalaya’s Ñiangdai River. This exciting find is a significant addition to the already rich aquatic biodiversity of the region, drawing attention from ichthyologists and conservationists alike.
The new species of fish, Garra dohjei, has been found from Ñiangdai village under Ri-bhoi district about 25.7 km away from Shillong.
The newly discovered species showcases distinct features that set it apart from its relatives in the Garra genus, which are commonly found in river systems across South and Southeast Asia. ‘Doh jei’, is the local name of Garra in Khasi dialect
The species was discovered during recent surveys conducted in 2021–2022 in the Brahmaputra River basin. Researchers I. Marngar, B. Mawlong, and Y. Lokeshwor of Assam Don Bosco University meticulously analyzed the new species’ morphology to distinguish it from its congeners. This fish possesses unique characteristics, including a well-developed transverse lobe with tiny tubercles, five to six black stripes on the caudal peduncle, and a deep groove between the transverse lobe and incipient proboscis.
Ñiangdai River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River system in Meghalaya.
The species is part of the genus Garra, which is known for its highly diversified, bottom-dwelling, rheophilic (current-loving) cyprinid fish that possess distinctive body modifications such as a gular disc and horizontally extended paired fins.
The species was found in fast-flowing streams with rocky substrates, and it shares its habitat with other fish species like Devario aequipinnatus and Neolissochilus hexagonolepis.
The catchment area at the collection site is covered with forests and sparsely arranged cultivated land on both sides. The substrate at the collection site comprised boulders, cobbles, pebbles, gravels, sand, silt and clay.
The locality is surrounded by forests, cultivated lands, and the stream’s substrate is composed of boulders, pebbles, sand, silt, and clay.
The new species is compared with other Garra species, particularly those with an incipient proboscis. Garra dohjei is differentiated from 10 congeners (species from the same genus), such as Garra alticaputus, G. arupi, G. kalpangi, and others, by characteristics like the number of scales, fin ray counts, and snout morphology. Notably, Garra dohjei has a deep transverse groove, a longer pelvic fin, a greater number of pectoral-fin rays, and distinct color markings.
Regarding the significance, this discovery brings the number of Garra species found in Meghalaya to seven. ” As most parts of Meghalaya are not intensively surveyed due to its hilly terrain and steep, sloping streams, it is likely that several undescribed species occur in these difficult landscapes. In addition, most Garra species described from Northeastern India lack information on sexual dimorphism, and therefore it is also likely that several species described as new could be misidentification of males and females of the same species. A systematic and comprehensive review of members of the genus Garra from Northeastern India using integrative taxonomy is therefore urgently required” researchers associated with the study said.
