Creature with whisker-like organs found in ‘deep gorges’ in India is new species
.jpg "A new loach species was discovered in the Narmada River system near Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to a study.")
In a small stream that flows through a deep gorge in the heart of India, researchers encountered a fish previously unknown to science.
Now, DNA analysis confirms Indoreonectes mahadeoensis is a new species of loach known only from Mahadeo Hills near the Satpura Tiger Reserve, according to a study published Sept. 19 in the peer-reviewed journal Zootaxa.
The “unique geographical” region “is characterized by undulating terrain and deep gorges ... making it extremely favourable for loach species,” researchers said.
Indoreonectes mahadeoensis is distinguished from related species by its long whisker-like sensory organs called barbels, the shape of its dorsal fin, specifically by the number of “rays,” or segments it has, and the patterning of “broken bars along the lateral surface” of its body that resemble blackish blotches, according to the study.
The “almost cylindrical” pale yellow body of Indoreonectes mahadeoensis measures just over 2 inches in length, researchers said.
It has a semicircular mouth with “thick, fleshy lips” researchers said.
Indoreonectes mahadeoensis is the first species of the genus to be discovered from the Narmada River system. All other species were found south of the river, according to the study.
The waterway where the new species was discovered also runs parallel to The Gupt Mahadev Shiva Temple — a cave temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, a Hindu God.
Mahadeo hills is in Madhya Pradesh in central India.
The research team included Meghma Ghosh, Anuradha Bhat and Jayaraj Antony Johnson.
This story was originally published September 23, 2025 at 5:33 PM.
