Why is it in the news?
A new species of catfish has been discovered in the Western Ghats.
The discovery highlights biodiversity richness and conservation importance of the region.
Category: Environment
Important Points:
● Amblyceps vayavy is a newly discovered species of catfish.
● It was found in the northern Western Ghats spanning Goa and Maharashtra.
● It inhabits shallow hill streams with sand, pebbles and stones.
● The name ‘vayavy’ means ‘northwest’ in Marathi and Konkani.
● It represents the northernmost confirmed record of the genus in the Western Ghats.
● It has distinguishing features like bifurcated caudal fin and incomplete lateral line.
● It lacks centrally projecting hooks in tail veins and has a distinct adipose fin.
● It has been recorded only in limited scattered locations indicating rarity.
● It reflects the ecological importance of fragile stream habitats.