TikTok Video Leads to Discovery of Rare Underground Eel in India
Researchers identified the earthworm-like fish as a new subterranean species after 15 borewells yielded only three specimens, they said.
- Scientists described a new subterranean eel, Gangaichthys indonepalicus, after a 2024 TikTok video revealed the colorless fish emerging from a borewell near the India-Nepal border in Bihar, India.
- No known stygobitic fish—aquatic creatures adapted to subterranean environments—had previously been recorded from the Gangetic Basin, prompting researchers from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation to investigate.
- Procuring samples proved challenging, requiring researchers to manually pump water from 15 borewells; the team recovered an intact specimen after pumping approximately 2,000 litres, then 500 litres.
- Genetic analysis and micro-CT scans confirmed the eel is a distinct genus within the Chaudhuriidae family, measuring about 4 centimeters with translucent skin and no ribs.
- Study author Ishan Agarwal noted the discovery reveals India's rich biodiversity and a vast knowledge gap regarding subterranean species, demonstrating how social media can serve as an unexpected scientific tool.
14 Articles
14 Articles
How Researchers Uncovered A Unique Earthworm Eel In The Gangetic Basin
An international research team has discovered a new species of subterranean earthworm eel, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, in the Indo-Gangetic Plain of Bihar. This small, colourless fish, adapted to life in dark underground aquifers, is the first stygobitic fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin. The discovery followed a TikTok video and involved challenging manual pumping of borewell water to secure samples for scientific analysis.
New Eel Species Found After TikTok Tipped Off Scientists
Barely longer than a standard crayon, this creature had been hiding in the dark, water-filled spaces beneath one of the most densely populated and heavily farmed regions on Earth, completely unknown to science. The post New Eel Species Found After TikTok Tipped Off Scientists appeared first on StudyFinds.
TikTok helps scientists discover new underground, translucent eel in India
Finding 'Gangaichthys indonepalicus' required hand pumping over 600 gallons of water. The post TikTok helps scientists discover new underground, translucent eel in India appeared first on Popular Science.
TikTok video leads to discovery of rare underground eel in India
Researchers have discovered a new genus and species of underground earthworm eel living beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar, northern India. The small, colorless creature, named Gangaichthys indonepalicus, is the first subterranean fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin.
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