Journal of Environmental Biology

Tor sattalensis: A new Cyprinid species of the genus Tor (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) described in the Western Himalayan aquatic eco-system of Uttarakhand, India

N. Shahi¹, D. Sarma²*, B. Singh¹, R. Haldar¹, R. Posti¹, S.K. Mallik¹, R. Riyaz² and R. Dutta³     

¹Hill Environment and Resource Management Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Coldwater Fisheries Research (ICAR-CICFR), Nainital-263 136, India

²Aquaculture Division, ICAR-Central Institute of Fisheries Education (ICAR-CIFE), Mumbai-400 061, India

³Department of Aquatic Environment Management, College of Fisheries, Assam Agricultural University, Nagaon-782 103, India

Received: 19 February 2025                   Revised: 21 July 2025                   Accepted: 09 January 2026

*Corresponding Author Email : dsarma_sh@yahoo.co.in                        *ORCiD: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2425-7017

Abstract

Aim: The study describes Tor sattalensis, a new cyprinid species under genus Tor. from the Western Himalayan region of India.

Methodology: Mahseer specimens with standard lengths measuring 253.0 to 382.0 mm were collected from the Sattal Lake, Uttarakhand, India. To identify the specimens, comprehensive morphometric and meristic analyses were conducted, along with osteological examinations. Molecular characterization was also performed using three mitochondrial markers: cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1), cytochrome b (cytb), and ATPase subunits 6 and 8.

Results: These specimens exhibited a dark blue-black sheen, lacked a median lobe on the mandibular symphysis, possessed two pairs of reduced barbels, a ‘U’ shaped, partially grey lower lip, non-hypertrophic lips, 16 circumpeduncular scales, 30 caudal fin rays, 17 post-dorsal scales, anal fin 7+I, 3½ scales above and below the lateral line. The results confirmed a morphometric and genetically distinct, monophyletic lineage, supporting the recognition of a new species, Tor sattalensis, within the genus Tor (Cyprinidae), from the Sattal Lake in Uttarakhand, India.

Interpretation: T. sattalensis represents a novel addition to Tor diversity. Its discovery enhances ichthyological taxonomy, reveals hidden Himalayan biodiversity, informs cyprinid evolution and biogeography, and underscores the need for freshwater conservation.

Key words: Himalaya, India, Molecular taxonomy, New species, Osteology, Tor

Copyright © 2026 Triveni Enterprises. All rights reserved. No part of the Journal can be reproduced in any form without prior permission. Responsibility regarding the authenticity of the data, and the acceptability of the conclusions enforced or derived, rest completely with the author(s).