A New Catfish Species in Manipur

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Environment

Why in News?

Recently, ichthyologists and researchers announced the discovery of a new species of rare glyptosternine catfish, found in the hill streams of Manipur, part of the Chindwin-Irrawaddy river basin system).

Key Highlights

Parameter	Species Characteristics
Scientific Classification	Order - Siluriformes Family- Sisoridae Subfamily- Glyptosterninae Genus – Exostoma Scientific name - Exostoma nasibarbatum.
Type Locality	Hill streams in the Chandel district (Bupal stream / Chindwin River drainage system) of Manipur, northeastern India.
Habitat & Ecology	Inhabits high-energy, fast-flowing, clear rocky hill streams. Possesses specialized morphological traits (such as flattened bodies and adhesive apparatuses) allowing them to cling to rocks against torrential currents (rheophilic adaptations).
Key Distinguishing Features	Distinguished from other Exostoma species in the Chindwin-Irrawaddy drainage by specific structural variations in its lip striae (anastomosing, rounded striae), adipose-fin proportions, and barbels. Adds to the expanding catalog of endemic freshwater fish biodiversity tucked away in the remote river systems of Northeast India.

Strategic Significance

Northeast India is an integral part of the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.
Discoveries like Exostoma nasibarbatum underline how many micro-endemic aquatic species remain undocumented in remote Himalayan and sub-Himalayan headwaters.
Rheophilic catfishes like Exostoma are highly sensitive to siltation, water pollution, and habitat disruption, they serve as critical bio-indicators of freshwater ecosystem health in the region.

A New Catfish Species in Manipur

Reference

Eastern Mirror | New catfish species Manipur

A New Catfish Species in Manipur

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