Schizopygopsis waddellii

• 14 Sep 2026

In September 2026, scientists recorded Schizopygopsis waddellii, a rare fish species for the first time from a natural lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh.

• The fish was found at an altitude of around 12,800 feet above sea level.
• The discovery was made by ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research scientists.
• The research involved the Arunachal Pradesh Fisheries Department and Shar-Tso Committee.
• The species was previously recorded from the Tibetan and China Plateau.
• The discovery expands the known geographical range of this rare Himalayan fish.
• It adds to India’s freshwater biodiversity, especially in high-altitude ecosystems.
• Tawang’s fragile ecosystems remain important for biodiversity research and conservation.