Researchers at the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow have discovered two new species of Rohu fish in the rivers of the Western Ghats. This significant finding resolves a 150-year-old mystery by clarifying the identity of these fish, which were long misidentified as Labeo nigrescens, commonly referred to as Rohu.
The institute also confirmed that the discovery, along with its detailed scientific analysis, has been recently published in the Indian Journal of Fisheries.
The two newly identified species, Labeo uru and Labeo chekida, significantly enhance the biodiversity of the region. Labeo uru, found in the Chandragiri River, is characterized by its sail-like dorsal fin, distinguishing it from other species. Meanwhile, Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish known locally as "kaka chekida," was discovered in the Chalakkudy River, further contributing to the diversity of this rich ecosystem.
The Western Ghats are known as a global biodiversity hotspot and have long been a treasure trove for undiscovered species. The discovery of these new species highlights the previously undocumented fish biodiversity in the region.
Additionally, this breakthrough clarifies that Labeo nigrescens is a separate species, distinct from the newly identified ones, thereby resolving over a century-and-a-half of confusion.
This discovery not only enhances our understanding of the taxonomy of freshwater fish but also emphasizes the critical importance of ongoing exploration and conservation efforts in biodiversity-rich areas like the Western Ghats.
Accurate species identification is essential for developing effective conservation strategies to protect these fragile aquatic ecosystems, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
