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Researchers have discovered a new species of catfish, Amblyceps vayavy, in the hill streams of Goa and Maharashtra in the northern Western Ghats. The fish was collected only twice during five years of surveys, highlighting its rarity and the fragility of its habitat.
Background
The genus Amblyceps comprises small catfishes found in fast‑flowing streams of South and Southeast Asia. The newly described Amblyceps vayavy was discovered by Balaji Vijayakrishnan, Tejas Thackeray and Abhishek Shirke of the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation while exploring shallow streams with sandy and rocky substrates. The species name “vayavy” means “north‑west” in Marathi and Konkani, reflecting its distribution.
Distinctive features
- Bifurcated tail: The caudal fin is deeply forked, unlike most congeners with rounded tails.
- Separate adipose fin: The adipose fin is distinct from the caudal fin and ends well before the tail fork.
- Incomplete lateral line: The lateral line does not extend along the entire body; this feature helps differentiate the species.
- Absence of hooks: Median caudal‑fin rays lack centrally projecting hooks, another diagnostic character.
Habitat and conservation
- Stream dwelling: The fish inhabits shallow hill streams with sand, pebbles and stones. Such habitats are seasonally dynamic and easily disturbed.
- Limited distribution: Specimens have so far been recorded only from scattered localities in Goa and Maharashtra, making the species endemic to the northern Western Ghats.
- Threats: Mining, industrial effluents, micro‑plastics and introduced fish species threaten these streams. The rarity of A. vayavy underscores the need for conservation of headwater habitats.
Source: Mid‑Day
