New Blind Fish Species Discovered

Name

Gitchak nakan

Location

Assam

Important Features

• First aquifer-dwelling fish discovered from North-East India.
• Belongs to Cobitidae family.
• Size:
  • Around 2 cm
• Completely blind.
• Transparent red body.
• Brain covered only by skin due to absence of skull roof.

UPSC Importance

Example of endemic biodiversity and cave/aquifer adaptations.