Correspondent
KOHIMA, MAY 28 (NPN): A new species of sisorid catfish, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, has been discovered from the Likimro River in Kiphire district, marking a significant addition to the freshwater fish diversity of Northeast India.
The discovery was made by Kohima Science College, Jotsoma dean of academics Prof. Limatemjen and research scholar Shekhumcha Y in collaboration with Scientist-F and Officer-in-Charge of Freshwater Fish Section, Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Kolkata, Dr. L. Kosygin Singh, and postdoctoral student Dr. Pratima Singh.
According to the researchers, Pseudecheneis likimroensis belongs to a group of freshwater rheophilic catfishes adapted to life in swiftly flowing hill streams. The species is characterised by a thoracic adhesive apparatus comprising transverse ridges separated by grooves, enabling it to cling firmly to rocks in strong water currents.
The researchers stated that the discovery represented the sixth known species of the genus Pseudecheneis reported from the Chindwin-Irrawaddy drainage system.
The new species was collected from the Likimro River, a fast-flowing tributary of the Tizu River under the Chindwin Basin, known for its rocky and boulder-strewn habitat.
The species has been named after its type locality, the Likimro River, where it is presently known only from this habitat.
The researchers said the discovery highlighted the rich yet underexplored biodiversity of Nagaland’s hill streams and underscored the ecological significance of the region’s river systems.
Locally, the fish is known as “Nupedro” among the Chirr Naga community and is also referred to as “Jetfighter” or “aeroplane” because of its appearance.
The findings have been published in the internationally peer-reviewed Journal of Ichthyology. Specimens examined during the study have been deposited at the Zoological Survey of India and the Manipur University Museum of Fishes for future scientific reference and study.
The researchers added that the discovery further strengthened the growing scientific recognition of Nagaland as an important hotspot of freshwater biodiversity within the Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Myanmar region.