Channa bhoi (New Snakehead Species)

Channa Bhoi (new Snakehead Species)

December 17, 2025

Kamaraj IAS Academy

Current Affairs Analysis

Subject: GS Paper III (Environment and Biodiversity) UPSC Relevance: Biodiversity hotspots, new species, and conservation.

new species of snakehead fish

Taxonomy: A freshwater predatory fish found in the East Khasi Hills of Meghalaya. It belongs to the Channidae family (Snakeheads), famous for being Obligate Air Breathers.
The "Bhoi" Significance: Named after the Bhoi community, an indigenous group of Meghalaya. This highlights the importance of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in modern science.
Biodiversity Indicator: Snakeheads are apex predators in small stream ecosystems. Their presence indicates high levels of dissolved oxygen and a healthy food chain.
Conservation Status: While not yet on the IUCN Red List, it is threatened by Rat-hole Coal Mining runoff, which acidifies the streams of Meghalaya, and the illegal international aquarium trade.