A new fish species has been discovered from Dikhu River, Mokokchung.

Limaakum, HoD of the zoology department, Fazl Ali College, told Nagaland Tribune that the fish was discovered near Chari Bridge, old Tuensang road.

Locally known as Petitsüng, the fish species has been named Pethia dikhuensis by Limaakum after the river from where it was discovered. The fish is consumed locally and is used in the popular ‘pongsen’ dish of the Ao Naga tribe.

Some live specimens are also kept in the lab, informed Limaakum.

Limaakum, HOD of Department of Zoology, Fazl Ali College, and principal investigator of the research team.

The research team comprised of three investigators – Limaakum (Principal Investigator) HoD of Dept of Zoology, Fazl Ali College; Nungsangtemjen (Research Assistant), Inspector, Department of Agriculture, Mangkolemba; and Praveen Raj (collaborator), currently working in the Inland Fishery Research Department, ICAR (Indian Council of Agricultural Research).

The research team (L-R): Nungsangtemjen, Research Assistant, and Praveen Raj, collaborator.

Limaakum first came across the new species in 2021 but had to wait for nine months for the confirmation. Admitting that there were lots of hurdles encountered during the discovery process, he pointed out the lack of laboratories within the near vicinity that could carry out DNA analysis work for confirmation of the new species. The research team had to rely on laboratories in Mumbai for proper analysis work.

“Sadly, we don’t have the latest equipment for such work”, he said.

Asked about how the fish came to be discovered as a new species, Limaakum replied that a man in the field can recognise the features that are different from the others and after a year-long wait for DNA analysis, the fish was finally confirmed as a new species.

The newly discovered fish belongs to the genus Pethia. Commonly called ‘barbs’, these fish are found in South East Asia and are popular in the aquarium trade too.

“When we look at other Pethia species, we can conclude that they have different morphological features. So many species need to be discovered. We just need to sacrifice some amount of time. When we have so much to do just in our door steps, why don’t we take the advantage?” added Limaakum.

He confirmed that the work has been published in Zootaxa, a peer-reviewed scientific mega journal for animal taxonomists. Published by Magnolia Press (Auckland, New Zealand), the journal was established by Zhi-Qiang Zhang in 2001.

“I feel so blessed that Our God has been so merciful to me. He has blessed me beyond what I deserve”, Limaakum said.

He further expressed his appreciation to the department of Higher Education, Government of Nagaland for sponsoring the research work and conveyed his special gratitude to Dr Temjenwapang, Principal of Science College, for his sincere encouragement in his work.

Limaakum further said that they had identified a few more fish species and are awaiting confirmation from the laboratories.

A research team of three investigators led the discovery of Pethia dikhuensis in Dikhu River.

The principal investigator of the research team pointed out that in this world of extinction, any new discovery is a marvel to science – it benefits everyone.

He described the experience of a new species discovery as something that “builds dopamine of hope and energy of excitement in the minds and life of the scientist community” which motivates them “to do more and discover more.”

“The world has so much to offer,” said Limaakum.