Exostoma Dhritiae – New Species of Catfish from Arunachal Pradesh

March 27, 2023

A team of scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new catfish species in Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery was announced in a statement by the ZSI. The new catfish species has been christened ‘Exostoma Dhritiae’.

Discovery and Naming of Exostoma Dhritiae

The new species was found in Siking stream, a tributary of Siang river in Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh. The discovery of this new catfish species adds to the biodiversity of India. The scientists of the ZSI named the new species ‘Exostoma Dhritiae’ after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of the ZSI, as a mark of honour for her contributions to research on the fauna of the country.

Size and Local Name of Exostoma Dhritiae

The new species is a small fish found in streams in these hills and is called ‘Ngorang’ by local tribals. Its discovery is a significant feat as the finding of new, smaller species can be much more difficult than larger ones. The new species adds to the diversity of life in the region and can help scientists better understand the ecology of the area.

Location of Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a state in northeastern India, bordering the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south and sharing international borders with Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the east, and China to the north. The location of Arunachal Pradesh makes it a hotspot for biodiversity as it is home to a variety of ecosystems, including rainforests, grasslands, and high altitude mountain ranges.

Role of ZSI in Research

The ZSI is a premier organization in the field of zoological research and is responsible for carrying out surveys, studies, and research on various aspects of animal taxonomy and ecology. The discovery of Exostoma Dhritiae is just one example of the important work being done by the ZSI.

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