New Catfish Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh by ICAR-NBFGR

ICAR-NBFGR, the apex institute for fish genetic resources, has made a significant breakthrough with the discovery of a new catfish species in the pristine waters of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Named Glyptothorax punyabratai, this newfound species adds to the rich biodiversity of the region and highlights the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts.

The discovery, spearheaded by ICAR-NBFGR researchers, was made in the Brahmaputra River drainage system. The species was collected from Tung Stream, a tributary of the Tissa River. The findings have been documented and published in the scientific journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. The holotype and paratype specimens of Glyptothorax punyabratai are now registered at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of ICAR-NBFGR in Lucknow.

The newly discovered species has been named after the renowned founder director of ICAR-NBFGR, Dr. Punyabarata Das, in honor of his groundbreaking contributions to fisheries research. 

This action not only pays tribute to Dr. Das's legacy but also acts as a reminder of the dedication and teamwork of researchers who have worked together to increase our knowledge of aquatic biodiversity.

Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, Director of ICAR-NBFGR, highlighted the institute's commitment to exploring remote and underexplored regions, with a particular focus on the northeastern states. He stressed the potential of these regions for discoveries of new species, highlighting the importance of both utilization and conservation in fisheries research.

The discovery of Glyptothorax punyabratai highlights the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in safeguarding our natural heritage.