Renowned Hollywood actor and environmental activist, Leonardo DiCaprio, has played a significant role in putting a newly discovered fish species from Kerala on the global map. Taking to
Facebook, DiCaprio used his massive following to educate fans about this remarkable aquatic creature found purely by chance in the region.
DiCaprio highlighted the story of Mr. Abraham, a local stage director residing in Kerala, who stumbled upon the groundbreaking discovery while simply taking a shower. The fish, known as the "Pathalal Eel Loach," is a live sightless subterranean freshwater species, with its name meaning "below the feet" in Sanskrit.
The Hollywood star elaborated on the fish's unique characteristics, explaining how it thrives in dark and hidden spaces, typically residing beneath the soil's surface. DiCaprio shared an article detailing Abraham's serendipitous find, which has captivated the scientific community.
According to reports on rewild.org, Abraham's chance encounter with the elusive fish occurred during a morning shower near his well in Chengannur, Kerala. Acting quickly, he carefully placed the creature in a glass jar and later contacted researchers from the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies. To their amazement, three more specimens of the same species were found in Abraham's 17-feet well.
The remarkable discovery has now brought Abraham into the limelight, drawing the attention of researchers specializing in the study of underground fish species. Thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio's efforts, the "Pathalal Eel Loach" has gained global recognition, raising awareness about the rich biodiversity found in Kerala's aquatic ecosystems. Photo by Georges Biard, Wikimedia commons.