A new species of hill-stream catfish, Exostoma nasibarbatum, has been identified in Manipur and reported in the Journal of Natural History. The discovery highlights the rich but underexplored freshwater biodiversity of Northeast India.

Key Findings

• The species was discovered in Bupal Stream, a tributary of the Dujang River, which forms part of the Chindwin River system in Chandel district, Manipur, near the Myanmar border.
• The research was led by Dr Bungdown Shangningam of Dhanamanjuri University, along with doctoral researcher Paya Torisha Anal.
• The fish inhabits fast-flowing streams with rocky beds and boulders. 
• Its flattened head and body, enlarged paired fins and adhesive structures help it remain attached to the substrate in strong currents.
• Its scientific name, nasibarbatum, refers to its prominent nasal barbel, a sensory organ near the nostril that extends beyond the rear margin of the eye.
• The genus Exostoma has 23 recognised species, of which seven are recorded in the Chindwin–Irrawaddy drainage system.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaway

Exostoma nasibarbatum is a newly identified hill-stream catfish from Manipur’s Chindwin River system, highlighting the freshwater biodiversity and unexplored evolutionary significance of Northeast India.

One-line wrap: The discovery reinforces the need for scientific exploration and conservation of the fragile hill-stream ecosystems of Northeast India.