New catfish species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

Source: The post is based on the article “New catfish species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh” published in Tribune on 24th March 2023

What is the News?

A new catfish species named ‘Exostoma Dhritiae’ was discovered by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India(ZSI) in Arunachal Pradesh.

What is Exostoma Dhritiae?

Exostoma Dhritiae is a new species of catfish of the genus Exostoma.

It is a small fish locally called ‘Ngorang’ by local tribals.

The species has been named ‘Exostoma Dhritiae’ after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of the ZSI.

It was found in Siking stream, a tributary of the Siang River in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

What is Catfish?

Catfish represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes, with more than 2000 species. 

Most catfish are found in freshwater, although there are two families that contain saltwater species.

Most species of catfish are nocturnal. Catfish are primarily benthic or bottom-dwellers. 

Catfish are an important group because they serve many different roles, including as ornamentals, as food fish in aquaculture, as research animals and for sport fishing.