New Catfish Species Discovered in Odisha Named After Legendary Tigress Khairi

Pseudolaguvia khairii is a new freshwater catfish species discovered in the Budhabalanga river in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. The species was described in the international taxonomic journal Zootaxa on 26 July 2026 and was named after Khairi, an orphaned Royal Bengal tigress.

Taxonomy of Pseudolaguvia

Pseudolaguvia is a genus of small hillstream catfishes found in fast-flowing rivers across India, Bangladesh, Nepal and Myanmar. The genus belongs to the order Siluriformes, which includes all catfishes.

Identification Features

Pseudolaguvia khairii measures only a few centimetres in length. It is distinguished by a fleshy protuberance at the base of its dorsal fin, a feature not previously recorded in the genus.

Khairi and Conservation History

Khairi was rescued as an orphaned cub from the Similipal forests in the 1970s. She was raised by conservationist Saroj Raj Choudhury and his wife, Nihar Nalini Swain, and became associated with wildlife conservation and human-animal bonding in Odisha.

Important Facts for Exams

• Catfish belong to the order Siluriformes and are found in freshwater and some brackish-water habitats.
• Hillstream catfishes are adapted to fast-flowing rivers and streams with strong currents.
• Zootaxa is a peer-reviewed international journal that publishes zoological taxonomy and species descriptions.
• Mayurbhanj district is located in northern Odisha and includes parts of the Similipal landscape.

Scientific Naming

Species names often honour persons, places or distinctive biological traits under zoological nomenclature rules. The specific epithet khairii preserves the name of Khairi in Latinised form.