Tibetan Fish (Waddell’s Snow Trout): Schizopygopsis waddellii Recorded in India

Tibetan Fish (Schizopygopsis waddellii), or Waddell’s Snow Trout, was recorded for the first time in India at Pangkang Teng Tso Lake, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh. Learn about its habitat, distribution and significance.

Table of Contents

Tibetan Fish, scientifically known as Waddell’s snow trout (Schizopygopsis waddellii), has been recorded for the first time in India. The discovery from Pangkang Teng Tso Lake in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, highlights the rich and largely unexplored freshwater biodiversity of the Eastern Himalayas.

Why in News?

Researchers identified 10 specimens of Schizopygopsis waddellii from Pangkang Teng Tso Lake, situated at approximately 12,800 feet above sea level in Tawang district, Arunachal Pradesh.

The record is significant because the species was previously associated with the Tibetan Plateau, and its discovery in India expands its known geographical range.

What is Tibetan Fish?

The Tibetan fish, or Waddell’s snow trout, is a cold-water freshwater fish belonging to the carp family, Cyprinidae.

Scientific Classification

Feature	Details
Common name	Tibetan Fish / Waddell’s Snow Trout
Scientific name	Schizopygopsis waddellii
Family	Cyprinidae
Habitat	High-altitude freshwater ecosystems
Indian location	Pangkang Teng Tso Lake, Tawang
State	Arunachal Pradesh
Altitude	Around 12,800 feet

Pangkang Teng Tso Lake

Pangkang Teng Tso is a high-altitude lake in Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh, located in the Eastern Himalayas.

The discovery of Schizopygopsis waddellii in the lake demonstrates the ecological importance of high-altitude Himalayan freshwater bodies, which can harbour specialised species adapted to cold and challenging environmental conditions.

Distribution of Waddell’s Snow Trout

Before its discovery in India, Schizopygopsis waddellii was known from parts of the Tibetan Plateau, including the Yamdrok Lake region.

Its presence in Tawang is important from a biogeographical perspective, as it provides evidence of freshwater biodiversity connections across the Himalayan–Tibetan region.

Significance of the Discovery

1. First Record in India

The discovery establishes Schizopygopsis waddellii as a new fish record for India.

2. Expands Known Range

The finding extends the known geographical distribution of the species beyond its previously documented range.

3. Highlights Himalayan Biodiversity

The Eastern Himalayas are recognised for their exceptional biodiversity. High-altitude lakes and streams remain comparatively underexplored.

4. Importance for Biogeography

The species’ occurrence in Tawang can provide insights into evolution, dispersal and historical connectivity of freshwater fauna across the Himalayan region.