By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, Jan 2: The world’s largest cave fish, Neolissochilus pnar, which was first described from the state’s caves two years ago, has been declared the National Cave Animal of the Year 2025.
This prestigious recognition highlights Meghalaya’s globally renowned cave systems, celebrated for their unmatched biodiversity and ecological significance.
Discovered in a subterranean river within the limestone caves of the Jaintia Hills, Neolissochilus pnar is a fascinating species that has captured the imagination of researchers and conservationists alike. Growing over 40 centimeters in length, it is not only the largest known cave-dwelling fish but also an extraordinary testament to the evolutionary marvels thriving in the state’s underground ecosystems.
The species was first described in 2023 by a team of researchers who named it after the Pnar people, the indigenous community of the region, to honour their cultural and environmental stewardship.
