Imphal, July 7 -- A new species of freshwater fish, named Barilius imphalensis, has been discovered in the Imphal River in Manipur.

Locally known as "Ngawa" in the Meitei language, the species was found in the Khongnang Pheidekpi area of Imphal West district, which has now been designated as its type locality.

The discovery was made by L Arunkumar and M Thoibi of the Department of Zoology, Mayai Lambi College, Imphal West, and is documented in the latest issue of the journal Zoodiversity.

According to the researchers, Barilius imphalensis is endemic to the Imphal River and differs significantly from related species found in other parts of India and Southeast Asia.

It inhabits shallow waters, typically 3 to 5 feet deep, with gravel and...