BADIS LIMAAKUMI (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env & Eco)

Context: Recently, scientists made a significant discovery by identifying a new fish species, named Badis limaakumi, in the Milak River of Nagaland.

Key Points

• The new species discovered in the state’s Mokokchung district has a distinct opercular blotch at the base of its opercular spine (a bone series that serves as a facial support structure and a protective covering for the gills). 
• The spots on the sides and cleithrum (a membrane bone) and more lateral line scales are absent in this species.
• Family: Badidae
• Found: India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand and Myanmar.

oThere are 26 recognized fish species in this family.

oThe new fish species differs from other members of the Badis badis due to its larger size and other physical characteristics.

MILAK RIVER

• Milak river flows through MokokchungDistrict.
• Main tributary of Milak river is Tsurong.