India, Oct. 14 -- Researchers have documented two rare cases of total albinism in the stinging catfish Heteropneustes fossilis (locally called Singee) from the Lesia river in Dhemaji district, marking only the third confirmed occurrence of total albinism in this species in India.

The specimens, about 13 cm long, were landed by local fishermen during routine netting in January 2024.

Unlike typical dark-coloured Singee, both fish were entirely pale white with reddish eyes and fins, classic signs of total albinism in fishes, where the absence of pigmentation makes underlying blood vessels visible in the eyes.

Albinism in freshwater fish is globally uncommon and may stem from genetic mutations or environmental stressors, such as heavy-meta...