Caridina sharmai: Discovery of a New Freshwater Shrimp Species in the Gomti River

PRERNA FOR IAS

Caridina sharmai: Discovery of a New Freshwater Shrimp Species in the Gomti River

Indian researchers have recently discovered a new species of freshwater shrimp, Caridina sharmai, in the Gomti River of Uttar Pradesh. This is the first recorded atyid shrimp species from the Gomti River basin, highlighting the region's rich yet underexplored freshwater biodiversity. The discovery was made between Kudiya Ghat and Gau Ghat in the upper reaches of the river through surveys conducted during 2023–24, with the support of local fishermen.