Guwahati, March 17: A team of Indian scientists has successfully decoded the mitochondrial genetic blueprint of Neolissochilus pnar, the world’s largest known cave fish, found in Meghalaya’s limestone caves. The study, published in Scientific Reports, provides new insights into how this rare species might have adapted to life in total darkness.
The research was carried out by scientists from the ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Lucknow, in collaboration with researchers from Lady Keane College, Shillong, Gauhati University, Assam, and the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), New Delhi.
Neolissochilus pnar is a remarkable fish that inhabits Meghalaya’s deep caves, particularly in Um Ladaw and KremChympe. It can grow over 40 cm long, making it the largest known subterranean fish species in the world. Unlike most fish, it has no skin pigmentation and either very small or completely absent eyes. The fish is named in honor of the Pnar, a sub-tribal group of the Khasi people, recognizing their cultural and ecological connection to the region.
It has already been named India’s first “National Cave Animal of the Year” by The Speleological Association of India, an Indian partner of the International Union of Speleology to spotlight India’s unique subterranean fauna.
The species was first documented in 2019 and has fascinated scientists ever since. Studying cave-dwelling species like N. pnar would help to understand how animals evolve to survive in extreme environments.
In this new study, researchers analyzed the mitogenome—-the genetic material inside the mitochondria, which are tiny structures that produce energy in cells. The mitogenome contains important genes that help an organism function, and studying it can reveal how species have evolved over time.
Scientists found that N. pnar’s mitogenome consists of 37 genes, similar to other fish, but with some key differences. Certain genes involved in energy production have changed over time, likely helping the fish survive in caves where food is scarce. These changes suggest that N. pnar has developed a highly efficient way of using energy.
Why This Study is Important
Understanding the genetic makeup of N. pnar has several benefits:
- Confirms its Unique Species Status – The study confirms that N. pnar is genetically different from its closest relatives, helping classify it as a distinct species.
- Explains How It Survives in Caves – The fish’s genetic adaptations can reveal how it has might have evolved to thrive in the dark, food-limited environment of Meghalaya’s caves.
- Helps with Conservation Efforts – Since N. pnar is found in only a few caves, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction. Studying its DNA can help scientists assess its risk of extinction and develop strategies to protect it.
- Provides Insights into Evolution – The findings contribute to broader scientific knowledge about how animals evolve in extreme environments, which can also help in medical and genetic research.
“These results can add to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying adaptation in extreme environments and emphasize the importance of mitochondrial genetic diversity in facilitating survival and adaptation in Mahseer fish populations. Further research is warranted to elucidate the functional significance of sites under selection and their implications for the biology and ecology of blind fish” the scientists say in the paper.
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