A remarkable discovery has emerged from the waters of India, where researchers have confirmed the existence of the Chel snakehead, a rare fish species believed to have been extinct for nearly a century. This significant finding was documented in a recent publication in the journal Zootaxa, highlighting the resilience of biodiversity even in species once thought to be lost.
The Chel snakehead, scientifically known as Channa amphibeus, had not been observed since the last specimens were collected between 1918 and 1933 in the Himalayan region. After decades of searching, scientists had concluded that the species was extinct. However, in 2024, researchers recorded three sightings of the fish along the Chel River in Kalimpong, West Bengal, following reports that local tribes used it as a food source.
The rediscovery of the Chel snakehead was made possible through extensive fieldwork and the collection of photographic evidence. The fish, known for its striking bright green scales and distinctive yellow stripes, is endemic to the Chel River system, making it a unique part of the region’s aquatic ecosystem. Its size also marks it as the largest member of the snakehead family.
The Thackeray Wildlife Foundation, a Mumbai-based conservation group that played a role in this rediscovery, emphasized the importance of continued exploration in the field of Indian ichthyology. Tejas Thackeray, the foundation’s founder, remarked on the significance of this finding, stating that it underscores the persistence of biodiversity and the need for ongoing research in wildlife conservation.
The Chel snakehead’s return to scientific observation not only reignites interest in a species once thought to be lost but also serves as a reminder of the mysteries that still exist within our natural world. Researchers and wildlife enthusiasts alike are hopeful that this discovery will encourage further exploration and study of the region’s unique ecosystems.