About Barilius imphalensis:
- It is a new species of freshwater fish.
- It was discovered in the Imphal River, Manipur.
- The fish has been locally named “Ngawa” in the Meitei language.
- The fish belongs to the Danionidae family and the subfamily Chedrinae—popularly known as danionid fishes—recognized for their vibrant patterns and ecological significance.
- It is endemic to the Imphal River and differs markedly from its known relatives across India and Southeast Asia.
- Its habitat consists of clear, shallow waters—typically 3 to 5 feet deep—characterized by gravel and cobble beds, and lined with riverbank vegetation.
- It stands out for several distinctive features, including the absence of barbels (sensory whisker-like organs), a series of short blue vertical bars on its body, and the presence of tiny tubercles (small bumps) on its snout and jaw.
- The fish also displays a complete lateral line with 41 scales—important for detecting movement and vibration in the water.
