Range extension of Garra jaldhakaensis with a Taxonomic Note on Fishes of the Genus Garra Hamilton, 1822 in Jharkhand

The genus Garra (Cyprinidae: Labeoninae) is widely distributed across India, primarily inhabiting fast-flowing rivers and hill streams. These fish adhere to rocky substrates using a specialized suctorial disc. Fishes of the genus Garra exhibit considerable morphological diversity, particularly in the structure of the disc and snout. Garra jaldhakaensis, originally described from the Jaldhaka River in West Bengal, is characterized by a prominent, thick, unilobed proboscis that protrudes downward above the transverse groove, 10–11 predorsal scales, 33 lateral line scales and 16 circumpeduncular scales. This species belongs to the proboscis-bearing group and features a proboscis with a transverse lobe. This study reports the first occurrence of G. jaldhakaensis in Jharkhand, India, expanding its known distribution range. The present study also provides systematic accounts of previously recorded species from the state, namely Garra annandalei, G. lamta and G. mullya. It confirms the presence of G. jaldhakaensis as the fourth species in Jharkhand. These findings contribute to the understanding of the biogeography and diversity of Garra in eastern India and emphasize the need for further ichthyofaunal surveys in the region. A key to the fishes of the genus Garra of Jharkhand state is provided.