Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday has officially adopted the Chocolate Mahseer (Neolissochilus hexagonolepis), locally known as ‘Khasaw’, as the state fish, aiming for push for conservation and promotion.
The decision, taken at a time when concerns over declining freshwater ecosystems are intensifying nationally, underscores Meghalaya’s attempt to formally recognise and protect a species that is both ecologically vital and culturally valued. The Chocolate Mahseer, a native species found in the region’s fast-flowing and clear river systems, is a key component of the state’s riverine ecosystem and ecological identity.
Announcing the decision, Government spokesperson Wailadmiki Shylla said, “There is one agenda which came because actually is has to all know that till now in our state of Meghalaya, we don’t have a state fish. Where if you take in other part of the country, several states have already declare some fish as their state fish. So we thought that we will declare this Chocolate Mahseer, which is called Khasaw in Khasi So we declare this khasaw as the state fish. So we did this as we like for conservation point of view as well, where this specimens, which areas all all over the state. We want to promote as well as conserve it.”
