Guwahati: Scientists have discovered a rare fish species native to the Tibetan and Chinese plateaus in a high-altitude lake in Arunachal Pradesh, marking its first recorded presence in India.Researchers from ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Bhimtal, confirmed Schizopygopsis waddellii in a lake in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district bordering China.Ten specimens collected in July from Pangkang Teng Tso Lake, a natural high-altitude lake at 12,800 feet in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang district, have been confirmed as Schizopygopsis waddellii, researchers said. Historically recorded in Yamdok Lake in Tibet, the discovery extends the species’ known range and adds significantly to India’s freshwater biodiversity.The record provides a baseline for future biodiversity surveys and conservation planning, underscoring the need for further exploration of India’s high-altitude aquatic habitats.Senior ICAR-CICFR scientist Neetu Shahi said more similar species found in China could also occur on the Indian side, making detailed biodiversity surveys of Arunachal Pradesh’s high-altitude lakes, particularly those bordering China, imperative.“One point is that male and female fish looks different. Male fish has lot of small spines on body and looks more colorful. Female has no spine and looks dull. But it’s same fish species of male and female,” she said.The discovery was a collaborative effort involving scientists from ICAR-CICFR, Bhimtal — Dr Neetu Shahi, Sumanta Kumar Mallik, Dr R S Patiyal, Mohan Singh Bisht, Dr Krishna Kala and Dr Garima under the guidence of director of institute Dr Amit Pande—along with officials from the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Fisheries, Pema Khandu Thongdok and Pema Khandu Thungon, and members of the Shar Tso Committee, Koncho Dorjee and Tsering Dondup.
