New species of Mohashol fish found in Sangu

A new species of Mohashol (Mahseer -- the common name used for the genera Tor) has been discovered in the Sangu River in Bandarban.

Before the discovery of this new species, only two other species of this fish were found in Bangladesh - one is the local Tor Tor and another Nepalese or Himalayan Tor Putitora.

Their natural habitats are the Kangsa and Someshwari rivers of the Netrakona district. It has a big, sturdy, tube-like body and is quite popular in the region.

However, scientists of the Bangladesh Fisheries Research Institute (BFRI) discovered a new species of this fish in the Sangu River of the Bandarban district. The new species is called Tor Barakae.

According to experts, mohashol - a native fish - is an endangered species, due to many reasons including illegal fishing practices, soil erosion and siltation, construction of flood control and drainage structures, excessive human intervention on rivers for livelihood as well as climate change.

According to BFRI sources, the two species of mohashol mainly live in streams flowing with mountain springs and survive by feeding on algae on rocks.

According to IUCN data in 2015, mohashol is an endangered species of valuable fish. With the addition of this new species, the total number of freshwater fish species found in the country is 261.

On the topic of the discovery of this new species, BFRI sources said about a year ago the BFRI Rangamati sub-centre conducted a survey in the Sangu river after being informed by the local fishermen about a new type of fish being found in the river.

The BFRI found a fish similar to mohashol and examined the external structure and other aspects. In their research, they found that the scales are similar to that of mahseer fish, however, the colour of the fins is not yellow like the other commonly found species and the shape of its mouth is narrower.

Afterwards, they conducted DNA barcoding to identify the fish further. The samples collected in the qualitative study were found to be 100 per cent similar to the reference genome of Tor barakae.

Thus, the identification of a new species of mohashol was confirmed for the first time in the country.

This new species is found in Andarmanik, Boro Modok and Ligri areas of Sangu river in Thanchi upazila of Bandarban where the depth of water and amount of rocks at the bottom of the river is high. Locally this fish is known as Phorong or Mikimau. It ranges from 10 to 15 kg in weight.

Director General of BFRI Dr Yahia Mahmud said a research programme will be launched soon on the breeding and cultivation of this new species of mohashol.

“The fish has commercial importance as it is expensive and large in size. Our institute’s long experience with other species of this fish can be used in this field,” he said adding that BFRI is also working on the recovery of extinct fishes as well as developing new varieties.