Why in the News?

A new species of catfish has been discovered in the Dzuleke River in Nagaland, India. This river is part of the Barak River system, and the discovery is important because it shows how rich the region’s aquatic life is. The newly found fish is cataloged as holotype ZSI FF 9871 and measures 75.8 mm in length.

About the Catfish

• Scientific Name: Exostoma sentiyonoae
• Taxonomy: Kingdom: Animalia; Class: Actinopterygii; Family: Sisoridae
• The discovery was made by a team from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) during a survey of the region's fish fauna.
• It exhibits unique physical features that distinguish it from other species in the Exostoma genus.
  • Adipose fin (a small fin on the back) connected to its upper caudal-fin rays.
  • Tubercles (small bumps) on its dorsal fin spine.
  • A slender head.
  • A large distance between the dorsal fin and adipose fin.
  • Small eyes and total 41 vertebrae.

Nagaland

• Location: Northeastern India
• Borders: Arunachal Pradesh to the north, Assam to the west, and Manipur to the south.
• It shares an international border with Myanmar to the east.
• History
  • The Naga Hills were annexed to British India in the 1880s and governed under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, granting the Naga tribes a semi-autonomous status.
  • In 1957, the Naga Hills district was created as part of the then-Assam state, and the Naga National Council (NNC) emerged as a significant political entity advocating for Naga rights.
  • In 1963, it was officially granted statehood, becoming the 16th state of India.
• It consists of 16 Administrative Districts, inhabited by 17 major tribes along with other sub-tribes.
• It has a unicameral legislative assembly and operates under a parliamentary system.
• Capital: Kohima
• Chief Minister: Neiphiu Rio
• Governor: La Ganesan
• Official Language: Indian English
• Tribes: Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Kachari, Khiamniungan, Konyak, Kuki, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sumi, Tikhir, Yimkhiung, Zeliang.
• Major Rivers: Dikhu, Doyang, Zunki, Tizu, Chakhang and Kongan.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries and Reserves
  • Puliebadze Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Pangti Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Mokokchung Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Intangki National Park
  • Kohima Zoo
  • Saramati Wildlife Sanctuary

Location of Nagaland