New Catfish Species Described from Likimro River, Nagaland

A new catfish species, Pseudecheneis likimroensis, is currently described from the Likimro river in Nagaland’s Kiphire district. The species belongs to the genus Pseudecheneis and is reported from the Tizu-Chindwin drainage context in the Indo-Myanmar biodiversity hotspot.

Pseudecheneis likimroensis (New Catfish Species):

Dimension	Key Details
Genus type	The genus Pseudecheneis comprises rheophilic catfishes adapted to swiftly flowing hill streams.
Location of description	The species is described from the Likimro river in Nagaland’s Kiphire district.
River system	The Likimro river is governed by the Tizu-Chindwin system as a tributary.
Drainage pathway	The Tizu river flows into Myanmar, joins the Chindwin, and then the Irrawaddy system.
Biogeographic region	The region comprises the Indo‑Myanmar biodiversity hotspot with high freshwater endemism.
Specimen collection	Around 5 specimens are collected at 446 m elevation.
Body form	The body is dorso‑ventrally flattened.
Adhesive organs	Adhesive organs comprise specialised ridges and grooves that allow clinging to rocks in torrential waters.
Habitat	The habitat comprises fast‑flowing, boulder‑rich streams.
Diet	The species is carnivorous and feeds on insects, larvae, and organisms attached to rocks.
Threats	Threats comprise dynamite fishing, chemicals, river modification, coal mining, and overfishing of egg‑bearing females.
Endemism driver	Isolation due to tectonic uplift and river course changes creates endemic species.