New Cave-Dwelling Fish Species Discovered in Meghalaya by ICAR-NBFGR

A significant discovery has been made in the caves of Meghalaya, India. Researchers from ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Lucknow, working in collaboration with Gauhati University in Guwahati, have identified a new species of nemacheilid loach. The newly discovered species has been named Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. This discovery was part of the NEH program, which focuses on the biodiversity of the region.

Schistura sonarengaensis sp. nov. was discovered in three cave-dwelling populations within the Barak-Surma-Meghna drainage in the South Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Meghalaya is renowned for its rich underground biodiversity, yet its caves remain largely unexplored. This discovery highlights the existence of undiscovered subterranean fish species within these caverns, showcasing the ecological richness hidden beneath the surface.

The research and findings were published in the prestigious peer-reviewed Journal of Fish Biology, highlighting the scientific importance of this new species. The species is named "sonarengaensis" in reference to Krem Sonarenga, the cave where the type specimens were first collected. "Krem" means cave in the local language, acknowledging the location's significance in the discovery.

This new species not only adds to the biodiversity catalog of Meghalaya but also underscores the need for further exploration and conservation of the region’s unique subterranean ecosystems. The collaborative effort between ICAR-NBFGR and Gauhati University marks a significant step in understanding and preserving the hidden aquatic life within Meghalaya's caves.

This discovery opens new avenues for research and emphasizes the importance of conserving these fragile and unique ecosystems for future generations.