Renowned fish scientist Dr. Praveenraj Jayasimhan has identified a previously unknown species of Badis fish, naming it ‘Badis limaakumi’ in honor of his collaborator, Dr. Limaakum, from Nagaland. The discovery was made when Dr. Jayasimhan received photographs of a striking and sizable Badis species from Dr. Limaakum in November 2020.
Due to the remarkable color-changing behavior of the fish, Dr. Jayasimhan requested live photos to capture its original hues accurately. After receiving a suitable set of specimens and photographs in 2021, he began examining the species. This unique fish displayed distinctive characteristics, notably a dark black blotch on its gills, resembling the Badis assamensis found in Assam. However, it lacked the series of blotches on the body typically seen in the latter species.
In recognition of Dr. Limaakum’s significant contribution to the discovery, Dr. Jayasimhan chose to name the new species ‘Badis limaakumi.’ Dr. Limaakum had also played a pivotal role in uncovering two other new species in Nagaland the previous year.
In an interview with EastMojo, Dr. Limaakum expressed his initial intention to name the fish ‘Badis milaki’ or ‘milakiensis’ after the river where it was found. However, Dr. Jayasimhan insisted that the fish be named in his honor, to which Dr. Limaakum graciously agreed.
The study detailing this discovery was published in the taxonomic journal ‘Zootaxa’ following a rigorous peer review process. Badis fish species are often referred to as Chameleon fish due to their remarkable ability to rapidly change colour during breeding, to blend into their surroundings, or when experiencing stress.
