What is Transcaspian marinka?

The Transcaspian marinka is a ray-finned fish with the scientific name Schizothorax pelzami. It belongs to the genus Schizothorax and the family Cyprinidae.

Taxonomy and classification

Schizothorax pelzami is placed in the order Cypriniformes, which includes carps and minnows. Cyprinidae is one of the largest freshwater fish families and includes many Asian river fishes.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. It lives in freshwater rivers, streams, springs, and qanats, and it occupies a benthopelagic niche near the bottom and in the water column.

Local name and conservation status

In Arunachal Pradesh, the fish is locally known as “Ngarsing” in the Nyishi language. The IUCN conservation status of the species is listed as Least Concern as of 2 July 2026, while some references describe it as endangered.

Important Facts for Exams

• Ray-finned fishes belong to the class Actinopterygii, which is the largest class of vertebrates.
• Cyprinidae includes carps, barbs, minnows, and related freshwater fishes.
• Qanats are underground water channels used in arid regions of West and Central Asia.
• Benthopelagic fishes occur both near the bottom and in the open water above it.

Community conservation in Arunachal Pradesh

On 28 June 2026, the Sangno clan in Arunachal Pradesh translocated 52 fingerlings from Lapabung stream to a mahseer-free stretch of the Richaso stream in East Kameng district. The initiative was linked to local conservation of the species and traditional community fishing practices.