Photo Courtesy: nenow
Kohima: A new catfish species, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, has been described from the Likimro River in Nagaland. Scientists published the discovery in the Journal of Ichthyology in May 2026. The team collected five specimens during an October 2024 survey in the remote Kiphire district near the India-Myanmar border. The finding happened by chance.
The journey to the site is difficult. Researchers traveled 100 km from Kohima to Kiphire, then drove four hours and hiked one hour to reach the torrential mountain stream. The habitat sits 446 meters above sea level. This fish is a survivor. It features a flattened body and specialized adhesive structures on its chest that help it cling to rocks in fast-moving water.
The holotype measures 11.53 cm, with the largest specimen reaching 13.19 cm. These fish hunt insects and larvae. "Pseudecheneis (the genus of catfish) are rheophilic catfishes adapted to life in swiftly flowing hill streams," said co-author Shekumcha Y. The team caught the fish using traditional methods and cast nets.
The Likimro is a tributary of the Tizu-Chindwin river system, a known biodiversity hotspot. Tectonic uplift in the Indo-Burman Ranges isolated these waters, fostering unique species. However, threats are mounting. Dynamite fishing, chemicals, and coal mining jeopardize local populations. Experts also note that eating egg-bearing females hurts future generations.
Local communities are fighting back. While the sampling site is not a formal Community Conserved Area, villagers have banned destructive fishing practices. This traditional protection is vital. Researchers warn that urban growth and habitat loss, such as that seen in the Doyang River, remain serious risks. The team currently has three additional, undescribed fish species waiting for formal study.
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