The newly identified species is named Pethia dibrugarhensis. It belongs to the cyprinid family, which includes carps and minnows—one of the largest families of freshwater fishes in the world.
The species was discovered in the Brahmaputra River near Dibrugarh, in the northeastern state of Assam, India.
It displays several distinct morphological features that set it apart from related species:
• An incomplete lateral line used for detecting water movement
• A black spot near the tail that extends both upward and downward
• Absence of barbels (whisker-like sensory structures)
• No humeral mark (a shoulder spot common in related species)
• Unique scale arrangement — 10 scales around the tail, 4 rows between dorsal fin and lateral line, and 4 between lateral line and pelvic fin
This discovery highlights the rich ecological diversity of the Brahmaputra River and underscores the need to conserve its delicate freshwater ecosystems, which are home to many undiscovered aquatic species.
The name dibrugarhensis honors the location of its discovery, Dibrugarh, bringing global recognition to the region’s ecological and biodiversity significance in northeastern India.
The main threats include:
• Habitat destruction and riverbank encroachment
• Pollution from urban and agricultural runoff
• Unregulated and overfishing
• Climate change affecting river flow and temperature
Effective conservation measures should include:
• Conducting detailed biodiversity and population surveys
• Strengthening protection of river ecosystems
• Promoting community-based conservation initiatives
• Implementing pollution control and river management policies
This finding emphasizes that India’s freshwater ecosystems still hold many undiscovered species. Continued research and conservation can help preserve aquatic biodiversity while advancing scientific understanding of riverine habitats.
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