Pathala El Loach, Have you heard these 3 words before, Let’s find out where it comes from, An Indian man’s life took a wild turn when he stumbled upon a rare and mysterious underwater creature – a new species of fish! Meet Abraham A, a former paramilitary soldier from the enchanting state of Kerala. In the year 2020, as if guided by fate itself, he discovered a hidden gem – the enigmatic Pathala Eel Loach.
Now, brace yourself for the mind-blowing part – the fish’s name is derived from the ancient Sanskrit term “Pathala,” meaning “below the feet,” owing to its subterranean abode in aquifers. Imagine, right beneath our very feet, a snake-like species lurks, inhabiting vast layers of rock and sediments that cradle groundwater.
But here’s where the tale takes a surprising twist! Picture this: Abraham A, minding his own business, was indulging in a relaxing bath when, lo and behold, he noticed a peculiar “red thread in the bucket.” Curiosity ignited, he couldn’t resist investigating further, and you won’t believe what he found – the thread was MOVING! Talk about a bath-time surprise!
Instantly bewitched by this unexpected and wondrous find, he carefully captured the mysterious thread in a glass jar. Seeking the counsel of Dr. Binoy Thomas, a local college professor, Abraham embarked on an incredible journey. Dr. Thomas connected him with esteemed researchers at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (Kufos), who authenticated the existence of an entirely new species. And that’s not all! Over the following weeks, the excitement escalated as four more members of this mesmerizing fish family were discovered in Abraham’s very own well and water tank.
Now, hold on tight, because the thrill is about to escalate to Hollywood proportions! A few days ago, guess who stepped into the spotlight to shower accolades on Abraham A? None other than the iconic Hollywood superstar, Leonardo DiCaprio himself! Known for his environmental activism, DiCaprio shared a vivid picture of the Pathala Eel Loach on his Instagram, praising Abraham A’s incredible contribution. Brace yourself – this is where the astonishing part begins!
DiCaprio eloquently highlighted that the marvels of the wild are all around us and sometimes, discovering a whole new species can happen as casually as a regular day unfolds. Talk about a surprise endorsement from Hollywood royalty! He hailed this astounding discovery as a shining example of “citizen science” and its pivotal role in unveiling the secrets of uncharted underground ecosystems.
Now, prepare for an underwater revelation that will leave you breathless! While most fish prefer strutting their fins in rivers, lakes, or other surface waters, the Pathala Eel Loach boasts VIP membership to an exclusive club – a distinguished group of subterranean fish dwelling solely in groundwater. Dr. Rajeev Raghavan, an assistant professor at Kufos, dropped the bombshell – India takes pride in hosting around 17-18 similar species, with a staggering 11 of them calling Kerala their home. And they aren’t your ordinary fish – they favor specific regions like India, China, the proud owner of the largest number of groundwater fish, and Mexico.
But here’s the real kicker – these elusive fish only grace us with their presence when they accidentally emerge through taps! Picture this, hidden aquifers and wells are connected to taps, and when the summer heat dries them up, the fish make their surprise appearances. Kerala boasts nearly seven million homestead wells, basking in the glory of having the highest density of such structures in its highland and midland areas.
Now, ponder this – in Abraham A’s case, there’s a whimsical possibility. These fish might have embarked on an underground journey from the groundwater into the well, continuing their secretive adventure to the water tank on the roof, and ultimately landing right inside his bucket through the tap. Talk about an unexpected journey for our aquatic friends!
Hold your breath because we’re delving deeper into the realms of astonishment! Until the 1950s, the existence of fish living in groundwater was shrouded in mystery. It wasn’t until 2015 that Kufos embarked on a state government-funded project to unravel the secrets. And that’s when things got even more exciting! The university established a Citizen Science Network, spreading the word that these fish could pop up through taps or even make their way to the bottom of dry wells. The result? An overwhelming collection of over 150 specimens representing all 11 astonishing species discovered so far.
And wait, there’s more! The discovery of the Pathala Eel Loach unravels a jaw-dropping tale from an evolutionary standpoint. Brace yourself for this revelation – Dr. Raghavan, the brilliant mind behind the scenes, unveiled that most groundwater fish are ancient beings, dating back a staggering 125 million years. Yes, that’s right – back to the time when dinosaurs still roamed the Earth! These fish have mastered the art of surviving in underground systems for eons, making them true relics of the past.
But we’re not done yet! For Abraham A, this discovery has been nothing short of a grand adventure right from the beginning. And imagine his amazement when DiCaprio himself acknowledged him! In his own words, “Such a big man has taken my name. I am elated and very happy.” This newfound recognition has truly transformed this incredible discovery into a moment to be cherished forever.
So, there you have it, a tale filled with twists and turns, surprise encounters, and astonishing revelations. The world never ceases to amaze, and it’s a reminder that extraordinary wonders could be lurking right beneath our feet!
