Context:
Recently, A new species of glyptosternine catfish- Exostoma sentiyonoae, has been discovered in the Dzuleke River, a tributary of the Barak River in Nagaland.
Relevance:
Species in News
Exostoma sentiyonoae Overview:
- Distinct Characteristics: This species is identified by unique traits, such as an adipose fin attached to the upper caudal-fin rays, tubercles on the dorsal-fin spine, a slender head, a long distance between the dorsal and adipose fins, small eyes, and 41 vertebrae.
- Comparison with Related Species: Researchers distinguished Exostoma sentiyonoae from related species in Myanmar and Thailand, particularly E. berdmorei and E. gaoligongense.
- Differs from E. berdmorei with a shorter dorsal-fin base, a longer distance between dorsal and adipose fins, and a smaller eye.
- Differs from E. gaoligongense by having a shorter pectoral-pelvic distance and smaller eyes.
- Biodiversity Significance: This species is the fourth of its kind found in the Barak drainage area, emphasizing the rich biodiversity of the region.
- Discovery Location: It is the first known species of its genus from the Dzuleke River in Nagaland.
Barak River System:
- Geographic Importance: The Barak River is the second largest river in Northeast India, after the Brahmaputra.
- Origin: The river originates as a small stream in the lofty hills and dense forests of Liyai village, located in the Poumai territory of Manipur.
- Length: The Barak spans around 900 km, with 564 km flowing through India.
- Drainage Path:
- The river flows through Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam in India and also passes into Bangladesh.
- It merges with the Deirii and Makhan streams as it moves south through the Biiso valley.
- The Khiiri stream joins it before reaching Karong.
- Flowing southwards, the Barak passes through Zeme, Liangmai, and Rongmei territories in Manipur and Nagaland.
- Ultimately, it enters Bangladesh and joins the Brahmaputra and Ganga rivers.
-Source: The Hindu
