Integrative taxonomy of near-threatened species Pseudambassis lala (Hamilton 1822), an ornamental fish of the Gomti river, Uttar Pradesh, India

In the present study, Pseudambassis lala (Hamilton, 1822) was identified from Gomti River, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh through morphological data (Classical Taxonomy) and molecular data (DNA Barcoding). This taxon is listed under the Near Threatened (NT) category of the IUCN Red List, 2024, and belongs to the Ambassidae family. All examined morphometric data were compared with the original description to validate the species’ identity. Two mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences and sequences of another Indian ambassid species from the NCBI database were generated to prepare a maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic tree. Additionally, a radiograph of the specimen was generated and provided details of Indian distribution, habitat, and major threats. This ornamental valued fish could be needed to conserve and manage the Gomti riverine ecosystem. These results suggest that Integrative taxonomy is an effective tool for identifying species for use in the conservation and management of fish genetic resources. Future research could employ environmental DNA (eDNA) methodologies to detect threatened genetic resources from this riverine habitat, offering a non-invasive approach to tracking its presence and distribution pattern. This innovative technique promises efficient and precise species monitoring, enhancing conservation efforts.