New Cave-Dwelling Fish Species Discovered by Gauhati University Team in Meghalaya

The achievement has also resonated locally, with Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, congratulating Dr Sarma and his team.

A research team from Gauhati University, led by Dr. Kangkan Sarma, has identified a new species of cave fish, Schistura densiclava, in Meghalaya’s limestone caves. This discovery marks the ninth type of cave fish found by the team, highlighting their significant contributions to biodiversity research in Northeast India.

The discovery was made in collaboration with researchers from Lady Keane College, Shillong, and the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, Lucknow. Found hundreds of metres underground in the pitch-dark caves of Meghalaya, Schistura densiclava exemplifies the resilience of life in extreme environments. These caves, part of an estimated 1,500 to 1,700 limestone and sandstone systems in the state, are known for their complexity and inaccessibility, located in remote, forested regions. A BBC report has also highlighted this unique discovery and noted challenges faced by the team, navigating difficult terrain to access these unexplored subterranean habitats.

The achievement has also resonated locally, with Meghalaya’s Chief Minister, Conrad Sangma, congratulating Dr Sarma and his team. His message praised the researchers for “shining a light on the hidden biodiversity” of the state, highlighting the pride this discovery has instilled in the region.

Schistura densiclava is a small, elusive loach adapted to a lightless existence. Its unique physiological traits, shaped by evolution in complete darkness, distinguish it from other known species. The fish’s discovery enhances the catalogue of Meghalayan biodiversity, a region already recognised for its ecological richness. Dr Sarma and his team’s meticulous taxonomic analysis revealed the loach’s distinct characteristics, setting it apart from its relatives. This finding deepens the understanding of cave ecosystems and highlights the untapped biological wealth of Northeast India.

“This discovery is a matter of immense pride for Gauhati University and highlights our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through rigorous research,” said Prof Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor of Gauhati University. “The team’s dedication to uncovering the hidden treasures of our region’s biodiversity is truly inspiring and sets a benchmark for academic excellence.”
Dr Kangkan Sarma reflected on the significance of the find: “Discovering Schistura densiclava in the challenging environment of Meghalaya’s caves is a testament to the resilience of both nature and our team. Each new species we uncover deepens our appreciation for the complexity of these ecosystems and fuels our passion to explore further.”

This is not the first time Dr Sarma’s team has gained attention. Their discovery of Schistura densiclava follows eight other cave-dwelling fish species identified in Meghalaya, each contributing to the global understanding of subterranean ecosystems. The team’s expertise in navigating the state’s complex cave networks has established Gauhati University as a leader in this specialised field. Their collaboration with institutions like the ICAR has strengthened the scientific rigour of their findings, ensuring thorough documentation and classification of each new species.

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