New Cave Fish Species Schistura densiclava Discovered in Meghalaya’s Krem

Recently, a new cave-adapted loach species, Schistura densiclava, was discovered in Meghalaya’s Krem Mawjymbuin cave by Gauhati University researchers.

About Schistura densiclava

• Schistura densiclava belongs to the Nemacheilidae family of bottom-dwelling freshwater fishes and was confirmed as a distinct species through genetic testing.
• Habitat: The species was found in Krem Mawjymbuin, at a depth of about 60 metres.
• Endemism Indicator: The species restricted distribution suggests it may be endemic to the Krem Mawjymbuin cave system.

• Morphological Features: The fish has a pale yellow-green body with 14–20 greyish black bars and a thick dorsal stripe, giving rise to its name densiclava (Latin: “thick stripe”).
• Adaptation: Though cave-dwelling, it retains eyesight and pigmentation, unlike other obligate cave species such as Schistura papulifera.
  • These adaptations make it a Troglophile species.
  • Troglophile species are organisms that primarily inhabit caves but can also survive and reproduce in surface environments, showing adaptability to both subterranean(hypogean) and aboveground habitats (epigean).

Ecological Significance of the Discovery

• Conservation Relevance: Discovery reinforces the need for preserving Meghalaya’s unique limestone cave ecosystems and limiting disruptive activities such as tourism or unregulated religious practices.
• Scientific Contribution: This is the sixth cave-dwelling fish species recorded from Meghalaya, with three described by Gauhati University scientists, underlining the region’s unexplored

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