Discovery of a new genus and species of miniature fish

Why in News?

Recently, an international team of researchers discovered a new genus and species of blind miniature fish and the findings were published in the journal Scientific Reports.

• Scientific Name – Gitchak nakana. 
• Genus – Gitchak, new genus identified within the loach family.
• Discovery – Found living in a hand-dug well in a village in Assam.
• It is the first time an aquifer-dwelling fish has been documented in the Eastern Himalayan region.
• Nomenclature – The name is derived from the Garo language.
• “Gitchak” means red, while “na-tok/kana” refers to the absence of eyes, describing the fish’s appearance.
• Habitat – Underground aquifer systems in water-bearing rock layers.
• Distribution – Found only in Assam in a single hand-dug well.
• Key Characteristics – Tiny fish growing up to 2 cm in length.
• Completely blind with no visible eyes.
• Body – Translucent body without skin pigment, giving a bright red appearance as blood shows through.
• Unique Feature – Complete absence of a skull roof, with the brain covered only by skin instead of bone.
• Threats – Potential illegal collection for the international aquarium trade.
• However, a better understanding of its population size, wider distribution and potential threats to its habitats is still lacking.

Reference

TH | Gitchak nakana