Labeo uru and Labeo chekida

Context

Researchers have identified two new species of freshwater fish, Labeo uru and Labeo chekida, from the Western Ghats. This discovery addresses a long-standing 150-year-old confusion, in which both species were mistakenly identified as Labeo nigrescens (Rohu). The two species are endemic to their specific river systems.

• Labeo uru: This species, named after the traditional wooden dhow for its sail-like, elongated fins, was found in the Chandragiri River.
• Labeo chekida: A small, dark-colored fish, locally known as ‘kaka chekida,’ inhabits the Chalakudy River.

Chandragiri River

• Also referred to as the Payaswini River in Karnataka and the Perumpuzha River in Kerala.
• It is believed to be named after Mauryan emperor Chandragupta Maurya.
• The river originates in the Talakaveri Wildlife Sanctuary in the Western Ghats, located in Kodagu district, Karnataka, and flows into the Arabian Sea.

Chalakudy River

• Known as Chalakudy Puzha, it is the 5th longest river in Kerala.
• Originates from the Anamalai region of Tamil Nadu and drains into the Periyar River.