In Mokokchung district, researchers have made a significant discovery by identifying two new species of freshwater fish, Glyptothorax sentimereni and Oreichthys elianae, named in honor of the late collaborator Lt. Limaakum’s children, fulfilling one of his final wishes. The species were documented during ichthyological surveys and described in the journal Zootaxa, as part of a study conducted by J. Praveenraj from the ICAR–Central Island Agricultural Research Institute and independent researcher Balaji Vijayakrishnan. Glyptothorax sentimereni, discovered in the Dikhu River, belongs to torrent-dwelling catfishes and features a specialized adhesive structure for clinging to rocks in strong currents. Oreichthys elianae, measuring just over 2.5 cm, was found in a tributary of the Tsurang River, notable for its bright red fins and a black blotch at its tail base. This research adds to the biodiversity of the Brahmaputra River Basin and underscores the ecological importance of Nagaland, situated at the nexus of the Eastern Himalaya and Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspots. The naming of the species serves as a tribute to Limaakum’s dedication to scientific research.
Scientists Discover Two New Fish Species in Mokokchung District
