New Fish Species

Sept. 30, 2024

Researchers have recently discovered two new species namely Garra zubzaensis and Psilorhynchus kosygini, of torrent minnows in the pristine rivers of Nagaland.

About New Fish Species:

  • These are new species of torrent minnows.
  • A torrent minnow is a small freshwater fish belonging to the genus Psilorhynchus within the family Psilorhynchidae.
  • These fish are commonly found in fast-flowing streams, particularly in regions with strong currents such as rivers and mountain streams

Garra zubzaensis

  • It was found in the Zubza River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra River in Kohima district.
  • The river, with its mix of gravel, cobbles, and sand, provides an ideal habitat for this benthic species.
  • Habitat: These fish are specially adapted to live in fast-flowing, rocky streams, using their gular discs—sucker-like structures—to cling to surfaces and forage for food.

Psilorhynchus kosygini

  • It was discovered in the Tepuiki River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland’s Peren district.
  • It belongs to a genus known primarily from South Asia and Southeast Asia.
  • Habitat: This species was found in the fast-flowing, shaded waters of the Tepuiki River, where it thrives in the river's gravel and rocky substrate.