A new species of fish, Schistura densiclava, has been discovered in Krem Mawjingbuin, a cave in Meghalaya, India. The discovery was made by zoologists from Gauhati University, Lady Keane College, and ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources.
Unlike many underground-dwelling species, Schistura densiclava retains its eyesight and pigmentation. It features a pale yellow-green body with black bars and a distinctive thick stripe near its dorsal fin. The fish thrives in cool, fast-flowing streams within the cave, where water temperatures are low and oxygen levels are scarce.
Key details about the new species:
Location: Krem Mawjingbuin cave, Meghalaya, India
Species Name: Schistura densiclava (meaning "dense stripe" in Latin)
Distinguishing Features: Eyesight, pigmentation, thick stripe near dorsal fin
Habitat: Cool, fast-flowing streams inside the cave
Diet: Copepods, tiny shrimp, insect fragments, and bat guano
The discovery highlights the rich, untapped biodiversity of Meghalaya's underground ecosystems. Researchers noted the cave's ecological isolation has protected the species but also makes it vulnerable to intrusions.