GARRA LAISHRAMI

18th April, 2023 Environment

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Context

Researchers from Central University of Odisha and Zoological Survey of India have found a rare freshwater fish in the Koraput district.
The species was named after Dr Laishram Kosygin of the ZSI to honour his remarkable contributions to understanding the taxonomy of Indian freshwater fishes.

Details

About the fish

The cyprinid fish species which can be consumed have been seen so far in Kolab river, one of the major tributaries of Godavari.
Garra Laishrami has been found so far in Kolab river only.
The maximum length of the fish is 76 mm to 95.5 mm.
The species is edible and local people consume it.
The fish is usually found under rocks, stones and boulders of torrential streams and rivers.

About the Garra fish

Garra is a genus of fish in the family Cyprinidae.
These fish are one example of the "log suckers", sucker-mouthed barbs and other cyprinids commonly kept in aquaria to keep down algae.
The majority of the more than 140 species of garras are native to Asia, but about one-fifth of the species are from Africa (East, Middle and West, but by far the highest species richness in Ethiopia).
Fishes of genus Garra are characterised by the presence of a gular disc developed from tissues of the gular region that exhibit variation in the size, shape, and arrangement of the snout tubercles.
These groups of fishes are generally distributed from Borneo, southern China and southern Asia through Middle East Asia, Arabian Peninsula and East Africa to West Africa.

About the river

Kolab River is one of the major rivers of Odisha, India.
Its source is at Sinkaran hills of eastern Ghats in Koraput district.
The reservoir is popularly known as kolab river.
It is a major reservoir for irrigation project and electricity powerhouse.

Hydrography of Odisha

Rivers: Bhargavi, Baitarani, Brahmani, Budhabalanga, DayaDevi, DhamraIb, Indravati, Kadua, Kharkai, Kuakhai, Koina, Kolab, Kushabhadra, Mahanadi, Malguni, Nagavali, Ong, Rushikulya, Sankh, South Karo, South Koel, Subarnarekha, Surubalijora, Tel, Telen, Vamsadhara

Lakes: Anshupa, Chilika, Kanjia, Tampara

Waterfalls:Badaghagara, Barehipani, Duduma, Dokarichanchara, Phurlijharan, Joranda, Khandadhar, Kendujhar, Khandadhar, Sundagarh, Koilighugar, Sanaghagara

Hot springs: Taptapani, Deulajhari, Atri, Tarabalo

Beaches: Chandipur, Gahirmatha, Gopalpur-on-Sea, Konark, Puri, Talsari

Dams: Deras, Hirakud, Mandira, Rengali, Upper Kolab

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) How many of the following rivers are found in Odisha?

a. Kolab.

b. Anshupa.

c. Duduma.