Prelims Bits
Context:
Scientists from ICAR–CIFRI discovered a new species of freshwater barb fish in the Brahmaputra River in Dibrugarh, Assam.
Taxonomy and Habitat:
- Family: Cyprinidae (same as goldfish, rohu, koi)
- Habitat: Moderately fast-flowing water with mud, sand, and stones
- Found coexisting with other small freshwater species.
Unique Features:
- Lacks barbels and humeral marks, rare for a barb species.
- Has an incomplete lateral line (used to detect water vibrations).
- Notable black blotch on the caudal peduncle (area just before the tail fin).
ICAR–CIFRI Overview:
- Headquarters: Barrackpore, West Bengal
- Mandate:
- Aquatic biodiversity conservation
- Sustainable inland fisheries
- Open water productivity research