A novel species named Glyptothorax punyabratai has been identified in the Brahmaputra River drainage within Arunachal Pradesh by the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in Lucknow.
This species was found in the Tung Stream, a small tributary of the Tissa River, which belongs to the Brahmaputra River basin.
The discovery has been documented in the esteemed peer-reviewed journal Ichthyological Exploration of Freshwaters. Both the holotype and paratype specimens of this newly discovered species have been catalogued at the National Fish Museum-cum-Repository of the ICAR-NBFGR in Lucknow.
The establishment of the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources in Lucknow took place in 1983. This institution is dedicated to the preservation, administration, and examination of fish genetic resources within India. Its primary objectives include the reinforcement of fish breeding practices, the promotion of sustainable aquaculture methods, and the genetic characterization of various fish species. Through its efforts, the bureau plays a crucial role in the protection of endangered species while also contributing to the augmentation of fish production to address nutritional requirements and stimulate economic growth within the aquaculture industry.
Dr. Uttam Kumar Sarkar, the Director of ICAR-NBFGR, highlighted the importance of exploring uncharted territories, particularly in the north-eastern regions, to uncover new fish species that hold potential for both utilization and conservation efforts.
The recently discovered species has been designated in recognition of the significant and invaluable advancements made by Dr. Punyabarata Das, the founding director of ICAR-NBFGR, in the field of fisheries research.
