Researchers have recently identified a new species of freshwater fish named Garra nambashiensis in Manipur, marking a significant addition to India’s rich aquatic biodiversity.
About Garra Nambashiensis
Garra nambashiensis is a newly discovered freshwater fish species belonging to the Labeoninae family, a group known for its unique adaptations to fast-flowing river habitats.
The discovery was made in Taretlok, a tributary of the Chindwin River, near Nambashi Valley in Kamjong district, Manipur. This area forms part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, which is globally recognized for its ecological richness.
Habitat And Ecology
The fish was collected from swift-flowing riffles shallow sections of rivers with rapid water flow.
Its habitat consisted of algae-covered gravel beds and a diverse mix of substrates, including cobbles, boulders, pebbles, sand, fine silt, and coarse sediments. Such conditions provide both shelter and food resources, making it ideal for specialized fish species like Garra.
Distinctive Features
Garra nambashiensis is distinguished by several morphological characteristics, such as:
A quadrate-shaped proboscis.
7–8 acanthoid tubercles (spiny nodules) along the anterolateral margin.
Black opercular spots (on the gill cover).
8–11 dorsal-fin scales.
Six prominent black stripes extending to the hypural plate (tail region).
The fish generally measures 9–14 cm in length (90–140 mm). Locals in the region refer to the species as “Nutungnu.”
Distribution And Significance
To date, around 60 different species of the genus Garra have been documented in the river systems of Northeast India, covering the Eastern Himalayas and the Indo-Burma region.
Of these, 32 species fall under the “proboscis species group,” mainly inhabiting the Chindwin, Brahmaputra, Barak, and Kaladan river systems.
The Chindwin river system alone supports at least eight species, including the recently identified Garra chingaiensis, showcasing the exceptional biodiversity of the region.
Importance Of Discovery
The identification of Garra nambashiensis not only enriches India’s ichthyological records but also underscores the ecological importance of conserving Northeast India’s river systems. These freshwater habitats are increasingly threatened by habitat alteration, pollution, dam construction, and overfishing, making such discoveries crucial for formulating conservation strategies.
Welcome to Notopedia.com, your free learning platform that caters to the diverse needs of students and aspirants across a spectrum of entrance exams and educational endeavors. Whether you're preparing for highly anticipated exams like CAT, NEET, JEE Main, or bank job vacancies, our platform offers a wealth of resources to guide you towards success. Stay up-to-date with the latest exam dates, announcements, and results for various government recruitment exams, including SSC CGL, CHSL, NDA, and UPSC. Explore comprehensive study materials, sample papers, and exam patterns to hone your skills and boost your confidence. From important dates like CBSE Class 10 and 12 date sheets to exam-specific information like JEE Main application form date, we cover it all. Notopedia.com is your go-to source for everything from admissions and admit cards to scholarships and college information. Whether you're aiming for a career in defense, government, banking, or higher education, our free learning platform equips you with the knowledge and resources you need to excel. Join us in your educational journey and unlock a world of opportunities, guidance, and comprehensive support.
For more Updates and Information - Visit Notopedia's Bulletin Board
For Latest Sarkari Jobs - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Jobs Section
For access to more than 20,000 Colleges - Visit Notopedia's College Section
For School Studies and Exams Preparation across 14 Boards - Visit Notopedia's School Section
For Comprehensive Preparation of Sarkari Job Exams - Visit Notopedia's Sarkari Exams Section
News about the latest admissions, results, upcoming government jobs, Sarkari exams and many more.