What is Exostoma Dhritiae?

About Exostoma Dhritiae:

• It is a new species of catfish of the genus Exostoma.
• It is a small fish locally called 'Ngorang' by local tribals.
• The new species has been named 'Exostoma Dhritiae' after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of the ZSI.
• It was found in Siking stream, a tributary of the Siang River in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Facts about Catfish:

• Catfish represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes, with more than 2000 species.
• Most catfish are found in freshwater but a few are marine.
• Most species of catfish are nocturnal.
• Catfish are primarily benthic or bottom-dwellers.
• Features:
  • Most catfish have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventral to allow for benthic feeding.
  • Catfish are so-named because of the long barbels, or feelers, which are present about the mouth of the fish and resemble cat whiskers.
  • Most catfish possess leading spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins. 
  • Catfish are scaleless, a characteristic of catfishes distinguishing them from others.