New subterranean eel species Rakthamichthys anchi discovered

Scientists discover a new species of blind, blood-red eel named Rakthamichthys anchi in underground aquifers connected to dug-out wells in Goalpara district, Assam. Researchers confirm it as a distinct species using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning and DNA analysis.

Rakthamichthys anchi (New subterranean eel species):

Dimension	Key Details
Discovery location	Rakthamichthys anchi comprises a species recorded from Goalpara district, Assam.
Habitat	The discovery comprises underground aquifers connected to dug-out wells.
Well-specific record	The record comprises 2 wells, each about 7 metres deep.
Specimens recorded	The record comprises 4 specimens so far.
Genus composition and distribution	The genus Rakthamichthys comprises subterranean swamp eels that are endemic to India.
Genus-level adaptations	Members of the genus comprise adaptations: elongated bodies, reduced eyesight, and red pigmentation.
Etymology (genus name)	The term Rakthamichthys comprises the Malayalam word raktham meaning “blood”, and the Greek word ichthys meaning “fish”.
Etymology (species name)	The species name anchi comprises a Garo language word meaning “blood”.
Species traits	Rakthamichthys anchi comprises traits associated with life in complete darkness, including lack of visible eyes and lack of body pigmentation.
Blood-red colour	The characteristic blood-red colour comprises blood vessels being visible through translucent skin.
Methods used for confirmation	The confirmation comprises micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning and DNA analysis.
Recent regional context	The regional record comprises a 2nd subterranean fish discovery from the same region within a short period, following the discovery of Gitchak nakana.
Inference from finding	The finding comprises an indication that underground aquifers of northeastern India may harbour a rich and largely unexplored ecosystem.