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New Cave-Dwelling Fish Species Schistura densiclava Discovered in Meghalaya.

Environment | Dated: 30 May 2025

In May 2025, a new species of cave-adapted fish named Schistura densiclava was recently discovered in the Krem Mawjymbuin cave, situated in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The discovery was made by a collaborative team of researchers from Gauhati University (Guwahati, Assam), Lady Keane College (Shillong, Meghalaya), and the ICAR–National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (ICAR-NBFGR), based in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh (UP).

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • - The findings have been published in the Journal of Fish Biology, highlighting the species' unique physical traits and specialized cave habitat.
  • - The fish was located in a fast-flowing stream approximately 60 meters inside the cave, where the water temperature is around 18°C and oxygen levels are notably low.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • (i) Schistura densiclava features a pale yellow-green body adorned with 14–20 greyish-black vertical bars and a distinctive thick dorsal stripe. The name densiclava is derived from Latin, meaning "thick stripe."
  • (ii) Unlike obligate cave-dwelling species such as Schistura papulifera, this newly discovered species retains functional eyesight and body pigmentation, enabling it to thrive in multiple environments.
  • (iii) Belonging to the Nemacheilidae family of bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes, the species is equipped with barbels—whisker-like sensory organs—that help detect prey in low-light conditions.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

In which Indian state was the fish species Schistura densiclava recently discovered?

Correct Answer: Meghalaya

🚀 Quick Recap: