Mohand

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Aquatic life fossils

2026 finds

Shivani.Azad, April 6, 2026: The Times of India

4.5 MILLION YEARS OLD
From: Shivani.Azad, April 6, 2026: The Times of India

Dehradun : In a significant find, palaeontologists have discovered aquatic life fossils for the first time in the Shivalik foothills near Mohand on the outskirts of Dehradun — a site previously known exclusively for terrestrial animal remains. Scientists believe the find may reshape the understanding of the region’s prehistoric environment. It also gives a rare insight into the Pliocene epoch’s freshwater ecosystem of Shivalik, which scientists say ranges from 5 to 2.5 million years.


The discovery was made by researchers from Dehradun-based Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology and other institutions. The findings comprise ear bones, or otoliths, of three distinct freshwater fish species — snakehead, goby, and gourami. 
Senior scientist Ningthoujam Premjit Singh, of WIHG, said, “The discovery of the gourami fish fossil marks its first recorded appearance in India and only the second in the world, after a previous find in Sumatra, Indonesia. This discovery will widen our understanding of past aquatic ecosystems and the biogeographic history of South Asian freshwater fishes.”


The fossils are estimated to be around 4.5 million years old. The study said, “The newly discovered Pliocene otoliths provide evidence of freshwater fishes in the ecosystems of north India during that period, offering a comprehensive view of the regional palaeobiodiversity... Further fossil discoveries and expanded sampling efforts may add to the species inventory and help refine the ancient freshwater ecosystems.”