Conference Paper
Schisturid fish diversity in Meghalaya
Marak, W.K. and Lokeshwor, Y.
Record Number:
7099
Year:
2022
Pages:
150-156
Notes:
Conference: International Conference on Biodiversity and Conservation 2022At: St. Anthony's College, Shillong, Meghalaya, India
Abstract:
Fishes of the genus Schistura McClelland, are colourful small nemacheiline fishes found in the hill streams and rivers. They are characterized by moderately arched mouth, medially interrupted lower lip without forming two lateral triangular pads, median notch in lower jaw present or absent and processus dentiformes well developed to feebly developed (absent in some). A total of 40 valid species of Schistura are harbouring in freshwater hill streams and rivers of Northeastern India, of which 5 species are found in Meghalaya. The Schistura species which are described from Meghalaya are Schistura larketensis, S. papulifera, S. reticulofasciata, S. sijuensis and S. syngkai. The present studies have revealed the presence of 11 species of Schistura including with an unknown species here mentioned as Schistura sp1. Schistura fasciata, S. multifasciata, S. savona, S. scarurigina and S. zonata are also found distributed in various river systems of Meghalaya. Both Schistura papulifera and S. sijuensis are under Critically Endangered by IUCN assessment. The updated habitat information and inventory of the state of Meghalaya are not available. Thus it needs a thorough habitat inventory and exploration to understand the existing unknown Schistura sp. through modern integrated taxonomic tools in collaboration with various stakeholders for the formulation future conservational strategies
Times Cited:
3