Discovery and habitat
Garra nambashiensis discovery in Manipur: A new freshwater fish species named Garra nambashiensis has been identified in Manipur’s Kamjong district. The species was found in the Taretlok River, a tributary of the Chindwin River, near Nambashi Valley. The discovery was led by Dr Bungdon Shangningam from Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal.
The fish thrives in fast-flowing shallow river sections called riffles. These waters have gravel beds with algae and a substrate mixture of cobbles, boulders, sand, and silt. Such habitats are oxygen-rich and sustain diverse aquatic life. The location near the Indo-Myanmar border underlines the region’s transboundary biodiversity.
Static GK fact: The Chindwin River is the largest tributary of the Irrawaddy River in Myanmar.
Physical characteristics
The species shows a quadrate-shaped proboscis and 7–8 acanthoid tubercles on the anterolateral margin. Black spots appear on the opercle, and the dorsal fin has 8–11 scales. Six distinct black stripes extend to the hypural plate at the tail base. Adults grow between 90–140 millimetres and are locally called Nutungnu.
Static GK Tip: Opercle is the bony plate that covers and protects the gills in fishes.
Taxonomy and classification
Garra nambashiensis belongs to the Labeonine family, a group of bottom-dwelling fishes adapted to fast-flowing currents. It is part of the proboscis group of the genus Garra, identified by fleshy or bony projections on the snout.
The discovery adds to nearly 60 known Garra species in the river systems of Northeast India. This strengthens the taxonomic understanding of Ichthyofauna in the region.
Significance
Northeast India hosts rich aquatic diversity, particularly in the Brahmaputra, Barak, Kaladan, and Chindwin systems. Among them, 32 species belong to the proboscis group. The Chindwin system alone contains eight Garra species, including the recently described Garra chingaiensis.
Such findings highlight the evolutionary complexity and ecological niches of the region. The identification of new species reinforces the global importance of Northeast India as a biodiversity hotspot.
Static GK fact: India is one of 17 megadiverse countries in the world, hosting nearly 7.6% of global mammal species and 12.6% of bird species.
Conservation implications
The discovery emphasizes the need for continued ichthyological surveys in Northeast India. Freshwater habitats are increasingly under pressure from pollution, dam projects, and land-use change. Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for maintaining aquatic biodiversity across Indo-Myanmar border rivers.
Static GK Tip: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) maintains the Red List to monitor endangered species worldwide.
Previous discoveries
The research team under Dr Bungdon Shangningam earlier discovered Pethia poiensis in 2018 from the Challou River in Ukhrul district. Such contributions expand the global database of freshwater species, positioning Manipur as a significant contributor to ichthyological studies.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
Garra nambashiensis discovery in Manipur:
| Topic | Detail |
| Species name | Garra nambashiensis |
| Local name | Nutungnu |
| Discovered by | Dr Bungdon Shangningam, Dhanamanjuri University |
| Location | Taretlok River, Kamjong district, Manipur |
| River system | Chindwin River system |
| Physical traits | Quadrate proboscis, 7–8 tubercles, black opercle spots |
| Size | 90–140 mm |
| Group | Proboscis group of genus Garra |
| Number of Garra species in NE India | Around 60 |
| Previous discovery by team | Pethia poiensis (2018) in Challou River |
