March 16, 2023
A group of Indo-German researchers has discovered a new species of tiny catfish belonging to the Horaglanis genus that lives in darkness. Named Horaglanis populi, this catfish species was found in Kerala. The discovery was made when the team of researchers, along with local citizen scientists, was collecting data on the genetics, distribution and other characteristics of the Horaglanis genus of catfish, which is a group of ray-finned fish.
The newly discovered catfish species is genetically different from the three Horaglanis species that were previously known. Horaglanis populi measures around 3cms, possesses a blood-red body and does not have eyes. It lives in local aquifers and comes to the surface during the cleaning or digging of domestic wells.
Did You Know?
Except for Antarctica, catfish are found on all continents.
Image for representational purposes
