Context:
Recently, a group of scientists discovered an edible freshwater fish available in the markets of western Odisha.
Relevance:
GS III: Species in News
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Awaous Motla
- Mahanadi River
About Awaous Motla:
- Awaous Motla is a fish species characterized by its vibrant yellow-colored body and distinctive fleshy upper lip.
- This species was discovered in the Mahanadi River.
- The discovery of Awaous Motla is a result of ongoing research efforts that are being funded by the Department of Science and Technology of the Odisha government.
- Taxonomically, Awaous Motla belongs to the family ‘Awaous’ (Oxudercidae), hence its name ‘Awaous Motla.’
Mahanadi River:
- The Mahanadi River is one of the prominent east-flowing peninsular rivers in India.
- It originates in the Sihawa range of hills located in the Dhamtari district of Chhattisgarh state.
- The river’s course takes it in a southeastern direction through the states of Chhattisgarh and Odisha.
- The Mahanadi River’s basin covers significant areas in Chhattisgarh and Odisha, along with smaller portions in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh.
- Geographically, the river is bounded by the Central India hills to the north, the Eastern Ghats to the south and east, and the Maikal hill range to the west.
- Notable tributaries of the Mahanadi include the Seonath River, Jonk River, Hasdeo River, Mand River, Ib River, Ong River, and Telen River.
-Source: The Hindu
