India’s rivers are not just sacred but also biodiversity hotspots. The Ganges river dolphin, locally called 'Susu', is India’s national aquatic animal and is completely blind. It uses echolocation to navigate and hunt. Another surprise is the Chel snakehead, once thought extinct, rediscovered in 2024 in Bengal’s Chel River.

Rivers like the Ganga and Brahmaputra shelter the golden mahseer, marsh crocodiles, smooth-coated otters, and softshell turtles. These species are under threat from pollution, overfishing, and habitat loss.

Also found are bizarre creatures like the goonch catfish, rumored to attack large prey, the Ganga whipray, Malabar snakehead, and the dwarf pufferfish-a tiny but deadly-looking predator. Each of these creatures contributes to the unique ecosystem of Indian rivers.

While most people think of oceans when it comes to exotic marine life, India’s freshwater ecosystems are equally stunning. But time is running out. Without strict conservation efforts, we might lose these fascinating species forever.