Imphal: A new species of freshwater catfish has been discovered in the Bupal stream of the Dujang River, which flows into the Chakpi River within the Chindwin River system along the Indo-Myanmar border in Manipur’s Chandel district.
The newly identified species, named Exostoma nasibarbatum, belongs to the Sisoridae family. The findings were published online on October 30, 2026, in the internationally recognised Journal of Natural History, published by Taylor & Francis.
The discovery was made by a research team from the Department of Zoology at Dhanamanjuri University, Imphal, led by assistant professor Dr. Bungdon Shangningam and PhD scholar Paya Torisha Anal. The researchers collected specimens of the species on January 2, 2026, during a systematic survey of the region’s freshwater fish diversity.
Dr. Shangningam, who belongs to the Anal Naga community and hails from Chakpikarong village in Chandel district, has now been associated with the discovery of 39 fish species. Among her notable recent findings are two species identified in 2025 – the rheophilic catfish Glyptothorax ahangkyensis, found in the Ahangky River in Kangpokpi district, and Garra nambashiensis, discovered in the Nambashi Valley.
According to the research paper, Exostoma nasibarbatum can be distinguished from closely related species through a combination of distinctive physical features. Its most prominent characteristic is an unusually elongated nasal barbel that extends beyond the rear edge of the eye. Other distinguishing features include the structure of its adipose fin, distinct lip patterns and specific body and fin proportions.
The species’ scientific name reflects one of its most noticeable physical traits. Nasibarbatum is derived from the Latin words nasus, meaning nose, and barba, meaning beard, referring to its elongated nasal barbel.
The researchers found that the catfish inhabits fast-flowing freshwater streams with turbulent currents, boulders and rocky riverbeds. The specimens were collected from waters with temperatures ranging between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius.
The study also highlighted the ecological importance of the surrounding riparian forests, noting that they help maintain water quality, regulate stream temperatures and sustain aquatic biodiversity.
At present, Exostoma nasibarbatum has been recorded only from its type locality in the Bupal stream. The researchers said the discovery points to the considerable but relatively unexplored freshwater biodiversity of the Chindwin River drainage system in Manipur.
They believe that several remote and difficult-to-access streams across the region could harbour other species that are yet to be documented by science.
The research team has called for more extensive field surveys, detailed ecological assessments and molecular studies to gain a better understanding of the region’s aquatic biodiversity and evolutionary history.
The discovery marks a significant addition to the scientific documentation of freshwater biodiversity in Chandel district. It also highlights the ecological importance of protecting the district’s river systems, streams and surrounding forest habitats, which support a diverse range of aquatic life.