New fish species discovered in Imphal River
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, July 08 2025: A new species of freshwater fish has been discovered in Imphal River, adding to the rich aquatic biodiversity of north-eastern India, researchers announced.

The species, named Barilius imphalensis, was identified by zoologists L Arunkumar and M Thoibi of Department of Zoology, Mayai Lambi College, Yumnam Huidrom, in Imphal West district.

The discovery was recently published in Zoodiversity, a scientific journal dedicated to biodiversity research.

The newly identified species belongs to the family Danionidae and the subfamily Chedrinae.

Fig 1 Barilius imphalensis sp n side view of Holotype, 104/NH/MUM,108.4 mm SL: a-male = showing body tubercles; b-female = showing without tubercles

Barilius imphalensis was discovered during field surveys conducted at Khongnang Pheidekpi portion of the river in Imphal West district.

The holotype specimen measured 108.42 millimetres in standard length.

Researchers identified several distinguishing features that set the new species apart from its congeners, including the absence of barbels, minute tubercles on the snout and dentary, a complete lateral line with 41 scales, and the presence of 15 to 17 short blue vertical bars along the sides of its body.

The discovery also noted key morphometric traits: 18 predorsal scales, eye diameter measuring 6.3 to 6.9 percent of standard length, and a pre-anal length ranging from 65.1 to 68.5 percent of standard length.

The anal fin is coloured orange-red, while the pectoral and pelvic fins are pale reddish.

The researchers named the species Barilius imphalensis in honour of Imphal River, its habitat.

Locally, it is referred to as "Ngawa" in Meeteilon.

The Imphal River, a major tributary of Chindwin River basin, is home to a variety of freshwater species and characterised by gravel and cobble beds.

While relatively clear in the early morning, the river's water becomes murky later in the day due to human activities along its banks.

According to the researchers, the new species adds to the known diversity of the genus Barilius, which now includes 47 species across the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, China, Iraq, Thailand and Afghanistan.

Of these, 36 species have been recorded in India.

In their conclusion, the researchers emphasised the need for further exploratory surveys and freshwater conservation efforts in Manipur and neighbouring regions to preserve and understand the rich fish fauna of this ecologically sensitive area.

They also acknowledged the assistance of local fishermen, and Dr Ramakrishna Mesila, who is a curator at Manipur University Museum, for cataloguing the specimens.