New Catfish Species Pseudolaguvia khairii Discovered in Odisha’s Budhabalanga River

Researchers report the discovery of a new freshwater catfish species, Pseudolaguvia khairii, in the Budhabalanga River in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. The report highlights its taxonomy, distinctive physical trait, and adaptation to fast-flowing freshwater rivers.

Pseudolaguvia khairii (New Catfish Species):

Dimension	Key Details
Scientific name	The species comprises the scientific name Pseudolaguvia khairii.
Genus	The species belongs to the genus Pseudolaguvia, which comprises small hillstream catfishes.
Order	The species is classified under the order Siluriformes, which comprises the catfish group.
Discovery location	The species has been reported from the Budhabalanga River in Mayurbhanj district, Odisha.
Genus distribution	The genus is found in fast-flowing rivers of India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Myanmar.
Size	The species measures only a few centimetres in length.
Distinctive feature	The species comprises a fleshy protuberance at the base of the dorsal fin, which is not recorded earlier in the genus.
Habitat adaptation	The species is suited to fast-flowing freshwater rivers.
Nomenclature	The name “Khairi” provides for a reference to a tigress rescued from Similipal forests in the 1970s and raised by conservationist Saroj Raj Choudhury and Nihar Nalini Swain.
Ecological role	Catfishes are indicators of healthy river ecosystems.
Hillstream species	Hillstream species are adapted to strong currents and are important for ecological balance.