Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida Latest News

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida, two new species of freshwater Rohu fish, have been discovered in the Western Ghats region of India.

About Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida

• Labeo uru and Labeo chekida are newly identified freshwater fish species belonging to the Rohu group (genus Labeo), discovered by ICAR-NBFGR scientists in the Western Ghats.
• Labeo uru was found in the Chandragiri River and is named for its distinctive sail-like dorsal fin.
• Labeo chekida, locally known as ‘kaka chekida’, is a small, dark-bodied fish discovered in the Chalakkudy River.
• The discovery resolves the long-standing taxonomic confusion with Labeo nigrescens, first described in 1870, by confirming the distinct identities of all three species based on unique morphological traits.
• This breakthrough highlights the rich and previously undocumented fish biodiversity of the Western Ghats, a recognised global biodiversity hotspot.

Labeo Uru and Labeo Chekida FAQs

Q1. Where were Labeo uru and Labeo chekida discovered?

Ans. In the rivers of the Western Ghats, specifically the Chandragiri River (Labeo uru) and Chalakkudy River (Labeo chekida).

Q2. Why are these discoveries significant?

Ans. They resolve a 150-year-old confusion with Labeo nigrescens and highlight the rich, undocumented biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Q3. What are the unique features of Labeo uru and Labeo chekida?

Ans. Labeo uru has a sail-like dorsal fin, while Labeo chekida is a small, dark-bodied fish known locally as ‘kaka chekida’.

Source: TH