Researchers have uncovered a new fish species in Brahmaputra, naming it Badis dibruensis after Dibrugarh, the Upper Assam district where they found it. This remarkable discovery adds to the biological richness of the Brahmaputra River and highlights Northeast India’s biodiversity significance.
A team of scientists from the University of Mumbai and the Bombay Natural History Society led the research. They published the findings in an international journal, bringing well-deserved attention to Assam’s rivers and ecosystems.
Read More: Gwaltabi Incident 2024: Manipur Journalists to Hold Sit-In Protest
Scientists Discover Endemic New Fish Species Brahmaputra
The species, Badis dibruensis, belongs to the Badidae family and displays unique physical characteristics. It shows a distinct fin pattern, vibrant coloration, and specific scale arrangements, all of which set it apart from its closest relatives.
Interestingly, this fish lives only in a narrow stretch near Dibrugarh. Researchers located it in slow-moving floodplain wetlands connected to the Brahmaputra. These waters offer a fragile but rich environment, ideal for rare species.
Dr. Neelesh Dahanukar, one of the lead scientists, explained that such finds prove how many untold biological stories remain hidden in the region. “We need more ground-level studies to reveal them,” he said.
Dibrugarh Earns Global Attention Through Naming
The team chose the name dibruensis to pay tribute to Dibrugarh. Naming species after locations helps preserve the legacy of those ecosystems and raises awareness among local communities.
According to Dr. Ralf Britz, who co-authored the study, the naming also emphasizes the urgent need to protect these microhabitats. “The area where we found this species faces real threats,” he noted. “We must act now.”
This symbolic connection between science and place has generated pride among Dibrugarh residents, who now feel even more connected to their environment.
Discovery Highlights Northeast’s Rich Aquatic Biodiversity
The new fish species in Brahmaputra further cements Northeast India’s reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. Assam alone hosts more than 200 freshwater fish species, many of which remain undocumented.
Badis dibruensis increases the known count of Badis species in India to 11. Interestingly, most of them live in the eastern and northeastern river systems.
Biologists believe that rivers like the Brahmaputra hold more hidden species. But without consistent fieldwork and ecological studies, they may remain undiscovered.
Encouraged by this discovery, scientists now plan more surveys across lesser-explored floodplains.
Conservationists Urge Habitat Protection
Although the discovery is exciting, conservation experts warn that the fish’s habitat remains vulnerable. Floodplain wetlands around Dibrugarh face pressure from rapid urban growth, garbage dumping, and sand mining.
The researchers have urged the government to declare the area an ecological conservation zone. They also suggested regulating river-based activities and improving waste management near aquatic systems.
“Celebrating a discovery means nothing if we don’t protect its home,” said Dr. Dahanukar. “Let’s turn this pride into action.”
New Discovery Inspires Youth and Local Research
This finding has also inspired students and researchers in Assam. Dibrugarh University’s zoology department held a special seminar celebrating the new fish species Brahmaputra and discussed more opportunities for regional fieldwork.
Students shared their excitement, calling the discovery a motivational push to study local ecology. “Knowing a fish is named after our town gives us purpose,” said a post-graduate zoology student.
Local leaders are now asking the education department to support fish biodiversity programs in schools and colleges. More awareness among young people can lead to a more conservation-minded generation.
The discovery of a new fish species in Brahmaputra, Badis dibruensis, brings not only scientific joy but also a sense of responsibility. Dibrugarh now holds a permanent place in biological records, but preserving that legacy requires immediate conservation efforts. As Assam’s rivers continue to surprise the world with rare finds, the focus must shift from discovery to protection. After all, the true value of biodiversity lies in how we care for it.
Read More: Raw Garlic Daily: Why Eating 2 Cloves Can Boost Your Health