New Fish Species Found in Meghalaya Cave

Recently, a team of Indian zoologists has discovered a new species of fish, Schistura densiclava, from a cave in Meghalaya, which can survive both underground and aboveground environments.

• The species is classified as a troglophile loach, meaning it is adapted to subterranean life but also capable of living and reproducing in surface stream environments.
• The discovery was made about 60 meters inside the cave in a cool, fast-flowing stream with low oxygen and a temperature of 18°C, indicating the fish’s remarkable adaptability to harsh cave ecosystems.
• Unlike many cave-dwelling species, Schistura densiclava retains both pigmentation and functional eyesight, distinguishing ....