TikTok aids scientists to report an unknown subterranean fish in the Gangetic Basin

In 2024, a short video clip on TikTok revealed an unknown, colourless creature emerging from a borewell near the Indo-Gangetic plain, between India and Nepal. Scientists promptly began investigating this first recorded subterranean eel-like fish in the Gangetic Basin, ultimately naming it Gangaichthys indonepalicus. The species, measuring no more than 4 cm, is believed to have evolved in complete darkness, as their eyes are covered by skin and their bodies are translucent.

However, studying this new species presented significant challenges. The international team of scientists had to manually pump thousands of litres of groundwater from over 15 borewells, using hand-operated machines, to collect just three specimens. Despite these obstacles, the researchers were able to gather three individuals from two borewells.

The new fish exhibits unique characteristics that differentiate it from the Chaudhuriidae family, including the absence of body pigmentation, smaller eyes, and an apparent lack of ribs. Dr. Akshay Khandekar, a co-author from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, highlighted the difficulties in locating and capturing the fish, including identifying suitable handpumps and obtaining permission from their owners.