Two new fish species discovered in Western Ghats, resolving 155-year-old taxonomic puzzle

Researchers at the Centre for Peninsular Aquatic Genetic Resources, Kochi, of the National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources claimed to have discovered two new species of freshwater fish from the Western Ghats — Labeo uru and Labeo chekida, resolving the taxonomic identity of Labeo nigrescens, a species first described in 1870 but shrouded in confusion for over a century.

The team led by V.S. Basheer used morphological analysis with historical specimens and fresh samples from Kerala and Karnataka rivers to clarify identities. Labeo uru, named after the traditional wooden dhow for its sail-like elongated fins, was found in the Chandragiri river, said a press release on Wednesday (April 23). The team had researchers R.G. Kumar and R. Charan as its members.

Labeo uru

Labeo chekida, a small, dark-bodied fish known locally as ‘kaka chekida’, inhabits the Chalakudy river. Both the species, endemic to their respective river systems, highlight the role of the Western Ghats as a biodiversity hotspot.

The study also confirmed the true identity of  Labeonigrescens, distinguishing it from similar species through unique features like a kinked lateral line and distinct scale patterns. Each river here may harbour unique lifeforms, said the research team, warning that dams and habitat destruction threatened such fragile ecosystems. The researchers emphasised that the Western Ghats would have more new species, and that collective efforts were required to discover new species.