Rare Himalayan Fish Schizopygopsis waddellii Documented in India for the First Time in Tawang

Key facts

• Scientists have recorded the rare Himalayan fish Schizopygopsis waddellii in India for the first time, from a natural high-altitude lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The lake lies at an elevation of approximately 12,800 feet (3,900 metres) above sea level.
• The study was conducted by ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR) with the Arunachal Pradesh Department of Fisheries and the Shar-Tso Committee.
• Schizopygopsis waddellii is a high-altitude cyprinid fish previously recorded from the Tibetan Plateau and China, making the Tawang record a significant extension of its known distribution.