A team of scientists has identified an edible freshwater fish, commonly found in the markets of western Odisha, as an unregistered species. Named ‘Awaous Motla,’ the discovery was made as part of a research project led by the zoology department of Berhampur University and the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), Gopalpur. Professor Jaya Kishor Seth, the principal investigator of the project, shared details of the findings.
The vibrant yellow-coloured fish, characterized by a fleshy upper lip, was collected from the Mahanadi River near Sonepur and Boudh bridge in June 2022. Professor Seth, along with Anil Mohapatra from ZSI’s Estuarine Biology Regional Centre and an Australian scientist, conducted an extensive study, confirming that the species is new and distinct from others in its genus.
Local fishermen in the Sonepur region have dubbed the newfound species ‘motla.’ Classified under the family ‘Awaous’ (Oxudercidae), the fish has been officially named ‘Awaous Motla.’ Professor Seth noted that the fish is both consumed fresh and dried, with local fishermen selling it at Rs 600 per kg and Rs 800 per kg when dried. The discovery’s details were recently published in the online issue of the Journal of Fish Biology on October 28.
While the fish has already gained popularity in local markets, further research is essential to uncover aspects such as its migration patterns and nutritional value. The scientific community believes that these insights will contribute to a comprehensive understanding of ‘Awaous Motla,’ particularly why it commands a higher price compared to other locally available fish.