New Loach Species Discovered in Meghalaya Caves

Scientists have discovered a new species of loach named Schistura sonarengaensis in Meghalaya's South Garo Hills, India. Cave-dwelling, it features prominent eyes and unique markings. Despite reduced pigmentation, it retains noticeable eyes, differentiating it from other species in the region. Funded by ICAR, the study was published by Wiley-Blackwell.

A group of scientists has identified a new species of loach in Meghalaya’s South Garo Hills district near the Bangladesh border, officials announced Thursday.

The freshwater bottom-dwelling fish, named Schistura sonarengaensis, was discovered in Sonarenga, Nakama, and Chiabol caves of the district.

The research, sponsored by ICAR - National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, was led by Dr. Khlur Mukhim, principal of Lady Keane College, along with a team from Guwahati University. The discovery was officially published on Wednesday in the international Journal of Fish Biology by Wiley-Blackwell, which noted the species’ distinctive features and genetic uniqueness from other loaches in the region.