Kozhikode: A few days ago renowned Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio lauded a Kerala man’s discovery of a new species of subterranean fish called the ‘Pathala Eel Loach’. Upon coming across a news article of this post published by ‘Mathrubhumi’ on July 20, Punnasserry native Aditya came to the realization that the fish he grows at home belongs to the same category.

Aditya, a degree student, is the daughter of an ex-serviceman and PSC office employee, Dileepkumar. She found this lean and curious-looking fish when collecting water from a pipe for bathing. Although she didn’t know its kind, Aditya preserved the fish in a container at home. 

After reading the news, the family contacted the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS), Kochi. The KUFOS authorities arrived on Wednesday and took possession of the fish. They found fishes of this same variety in a pond near Aditya’s house.

They found that this fish belonged to the Pangio fish genus 'Pangio Bhujia’. KUFOS Asst. Prof. Dr Rajiv Raghavan clarified that this is the same genus that the fish Pathala Pangio (Pathala eel loach) that was discovered in Chengannur last year. 

DiCaprio sharing the picture of this fish on his Instagram page received global attention. In 2019, KUFOS researchers first discovered this fish from Cherinchal, Kozhikode, and presented it before the scientific community. 

Following this, in 2021 it was found in Kottakkal as well.  Around 11 varieties of ‘Pathala Eel Loaches’ have been found in Kerala so far. The Department of Environment and Climate Change in Kerala has prepared a plan for the scientific study of this subterranean fish. 

The unexpected spotting of this fish in wells and other water bodies often causes concern for the public. Any doubts regarding this fish can be clarified by contacting KUFOS researchers. Phone: 9995926807.