Scientists have recently unveiled a remarkable addition to the biodiversity of India with the discovery of a new species of snakehead fish named Channa bhoi. This species was found in a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
Channa bhoi is named in honor of the indigenous Bhoi people of the Khasi tribe, who are the predominant inhabitants of the Ri-Bhoi region. This naming reflects not only the cultural significance of the area but also emphasizes the relationship between local communities and their natural environment.
This new species belongs to the Gachua group of snakehead fishes, which is known for its remarkable diversity in the Eastern Himalayan region. Channa bhoi can be distinguished from its close relatives by its unique color pattern. It features a bluish-grey body adorned with minute black spots on each scale, forming eight to nine horizontal rows of broken lines along its sides. Additionally, the fish exhibits distinctive banding patterns on its pectoral fins, making it visually striking.
Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that Channa bhoi is a sister species to Channa bipuli, another snakehead species found in Northeast India. This relationship highlights the evolutionary significance of the new discovery and adds to the understanding of the biodiversity present in this region.
The discovery of Channa bhoi increases the total number of Channa species recorded from India to 26. This underscores the importance of biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems and the need for continued research and conservation efforts. Protecting such unique species is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting indigenous communities.
Q1. What is Channa bhoi?
Answer: Channa bhoi is a newly discovered species of snakehead fish found in Meghalaya, distinguished by its unique coloration and patterns.
Q2. Why is the fish named Channa bhoi?
Answer: It is named after the Bhoi people, indigenous to the Khasi tribe in the Ri-Bhoi region, reflecting cultural significance.
Q3. How many species of Channa are recorded in India?
Answer: The discovery of Channa bhoi brings the total number of Channa species recorded in India to 26, enriching the country's aquatic biodiversity.
Q4. Where was Channa bhoi discovered?
Answer: Channa bhoi was discovered in a small mountain stream near Iewmawlong village in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya.
Q5. What is the significance of this discovery?
Answer: The discovery of Channa bhoi enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the Eastern Himalayas and highlights the need for conservation efforts.
Question 1: What is Channa bhoi?
A) A type of plant
B) A newly discovered snakehead fish
C) An insect species
D) A mountain range
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Where was Channa bhoi found?
A) Near Iewmawlong village
B) In the Ganga River
C) In the Arabian Sea
D) In the Himalayas
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: Channa bhoi is named after which community?
A) Khasi tribe
B) Bhoi people
C) Manipuri tribe
D) Assamese community
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: How many Channa species are recorded in India after the discovery?
A) 20
B) 22
C) 24
D) 26
Correct Answer: D
Question 5: What is the characteristic color of Channa bhoi?
A) Bright red
B) Bluish-grey with black spots
C) Green with yellow stripes
D) Brown with white patches
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Which group does Channa bhoi belong to?
A) Gachua group
B) Fish-eating group
C) River fish group
D) Oceanic fish group
Correct Answer: A
Question 7: Who conducted the phylogenetic analysis of Channa bhoi?
A) Local fishermen
B) Scientists
C) Conservationists
D) Tourists
Correct Answer: B
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