Discover new fish species

Scientists working in southern India have discovered new species of blind catfish. This fish and some other new animals are identified in deep pools in the Indian state of Kerala.

The fish Horaglanis abdulkalami

The new catfish has a slender, long, red body, 3.8cm long. It is scientifically named Horaglanis abdulkalami after the name of the former President of India - Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam - to honor him through contributions to science and education.

Horaglanis abdulkalami fish has unique features that can eat organic matter in the ground. Kerala is a wetland that provides an ideal habitat for such animals. Species of slippery species are the key to maintaining ecosystems, their faeces provide nourishment for other species. Researchers are looking at the sequence of this new catfish genome to determine if it is related to any other species in India or abroad.

The team also discovered the new and unknown named eel, Monopterus trichurensis, after the Trichur district where it was found. According to the BBC, scientists believe that due to the distribution as well as the rare quantity, both fish species should be included in IUCN's list of threatened organisms. Dr. Nandan said he was continuing his research to determine their lifespan.