What is Exostoma Dhritiae?

About Exostoma Dhritiae:

• It is a new species of catfish of the genus Exostoma.
• It is a small fish locally called ‘Ngorang’ by local tribals.
• The new species has been named ‘Exostoma Dhritiae’ after Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman director of the ZSI.
• It was found in Siking stream, a tributary of the Siang River in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Key Facts about Catfish:

• Catfish represent one of the largest groups of freshwater fishes, with more than 2000 species.
• Most catfish are found in freshwater but a few are marine.
• Most species of catfish are nocturnal.
• Catfish are primarily benthic or bottom-dwellers.
• Features:
  • Most catfish have a cylindrical body with a flattened ventral to allow for benthic feeding.
  • Catfish are so-named because of the long barbels, or feelers, which are present about the mouth of the fish and resemble cat whiskers.
  • Most catfish possess leading spines in their dorsal and pectoral fins. 
  • Catfish are scaleless, a characteristic of catfishes distinguishing them from others.

Q1) What is the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)?

The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) was established on 1st July, 1916 to promote survey, exploration and research leading to the advancement in our knowledge of various aspects of exceptionally rich life of the erstwhile ´ British Indian Empire ´ . The survey has its genesis in the establishment of the Zoological Section of the Indian Museum at Calcutta in 1875.

Source: New catfish species discovered in Arunachal Pradesh

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