New catfish species Amblyceps vayavy discovered in the Western Ghats

New species of catfish in the Northern Western Ghats. (Pic/Thackeray Wildlife Foundation)

Researchers have discovered a new species of catfish in the biodiverse northern Western Ghats spanning the states of Goa and Maharashtra. The fish inhabits shallow hill streams where the streambed is made up of sand, pebbles and stones, creating microhabitats that help it hide and forage for food. During field surveys conducted over five years, the researchers encountered the species only twice, underscoring its rarity and the ecological importance of the fragile habitats it occupies.

The species was identified through the joint efforts of independent researcher Balaji Vijayakrishnan and researchers Tejas Thackeray and Abhishek Shirke from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation.

Speaking to Mid-Day Abhishek Shirke said, "The newly identified fish belongs to the genus Amblyceps and has been named Amblyceps vayavy." The name ‘vayavy' means 'northwest' in Marathi and Konkani, referring to the species' habitat in the northwestern part of the Western Ghats. Researchers say this is the northernmost confirmed record of the genus in the Western Ghats so far."

The fish inhabits shallow hill streams where the riverbed contains a mix of sand, gravel and stones, creating a suitable microhabitat for hiding and feeding. According to the researchers, the species can be distinguished from other members of the genus by features such as a bifurcated caudal fin, an incomplete lateral line, an absence of centrally projecting hooks in the veins in the middle of the tail, and a distinct adipose fin structure.

Though Goa is globally known for tourism, scientists say the region also hosts rich freshwater biodiversity. The species has so far been recorded only from a few scattered locations in Goa and Maharashtra, suggesting that its distribution may be limited.

Researchers have cautioned that freshwater ecosystems in the region face multiple threats, including mining, industrial wastewater discharge, microplastic pollution and the introduction of alien fish species. They say the discovery highlights the need for stronger ecological studies and conservation efforts in the Western Ghats' fragile stream habitats.