Chocolate Mahseer

Prelims: Current events of national and international importance | Species

Why in news?

Sikkim Chief Minister recently released ‘Chocolate Mahseer’ fish into the Rangeet River during the Chirbirey River Fest near Jorethang.

Scientific name – Neolissochilus hexagonolepis.
It is an indigenous freshwater ray-finned fish species.
It is popularly referred to as the Copper Mahseer or locally as Katley in Sikkim.
Family – Cyprinidae, the family which includes the carps, barbs and related fishes.
Distribution – Found in hill streams and rivers of the Eastern Himalayan and Northeastern region in India.
Also found in Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Sumatra; may also be present in China and Vietnam.
Habitat – It thrives in cool, clear, fast-flowing, oxygen-rich waters with rocky or gravelly riverbeds.
Appearance & Size – The species, known for its distinctive brown to dark chocolate colouration, can grow up to approximately 120 cm in length and weigh up to 11 kilograms.

Chocolate Mahseer.upsc

Nagaland, Sikkim and Meghalaya – Declared Chocolate Mahseer as a state fish.

Quick Fact

Rangeet River

Rangeet River – It is the largest tributary of the Teesta River and flows in the northeastern states of Sikkim and West Bengal.
Known for its turbulent waters and pristine mountain surroundings, the perennial river serves as a major source of ecology, hydropower, and adventure tourism for the region.
Origin – Originates from a Rathong glacier of Mount Kabru in the lower Kanchenjunga region within the West Sikkim district.
Flows through – Sikkim, West Bengal and forms a natural boundary between Sikkim and the Darjeeling district of West Bengal.
Tributaries – Joined by major streams including the Rammam River and Little Rangeet.
Confluence – It joins the Teesta River at a famous confluence known as Tribeni (near Melli), which serves as a highly popular local picnic and camping spot.

Rangeet river.upsc

References