Meghalaya’s Largest Cavefish Wins ‘National Cave Animal Of The Year’ Title

SHILLONG: The Neolissochilus pnar, the largest cave fish species discovered in Meghalaya, has been named India’s first "National Cave Animal of the Year." This remarkable species was initially found in the caves of Krem Um Ladaw and Krem Chympe which is located in the East Jaintia Hills of Meghalaya, during expeditions in 2019 and 2020.

The fish's name honors the Pnar community, a sub-tribe of the Khasi people, recognizing their profound cultural and ecological connection to the area. The announcement was made by the Speleological Association of India (SAI), the national branch of the International Union of Speleology (UIS).

This initiative, which is part of a newly launched campaign, aims to spotlight India’s unique subterranean biodiversity. By designating a National Cave Animal annually, the program seeks to emphasize the ecological significance of caves and promote their conservation.

"This extraordinary cavefish highlights the hidden biodiversity within India’s caves," said the SAI. "Our initiative underscores the need to protect cave-dwelling species and preserve these fragile ecosystems for future generations”.

Well-suited to life in complete darkness, the cavefish displays typical subterranean features, such as a lack of pigmentation and underdeveloped or absent eyes. The species flourishes in the vertical cave systems of Krem Um Ladaw, which are known for their rocky floors and stagnant water pools, as well as in the horizontal river cave of Krem Chympe, which is famous for its vast tunnels and waterfalls.

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