EducationTop StoryTop StoryLatest News
New Shark Species Discovered Off Kerala: Echinorhinus roinee
Sentiment: NeutralHigh Priority
What Happened?
A 3-metre shark caught off Kerala has been identified as a new species, Echinorhinus roinee, after DNA analysis revealed it is distinct from previously known species. This discovery enhances understanding of marine biodiversity in India.
Key points
- The shark was found at Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour in Kollam, Kerala.
- It was previously misidentified as an Atlantic species.
- The Indian Bramble Shark can grow up to three metres and lives at depths of 350–450 metres.
- DNA analysis confirmed it belongs to a separate Indian Ocean lineage.
- The species name roinee honors Dr. Dhriti Banerjee's daughter.
- The research was published in the Records of the Zoological Survey of India.
Key insights
- Recognizing Echinorhinus roinee as a distinct species may improve conservation strategies for deep-sea sharks.
- The discovery highlights the need for further exploration of India's deep-sea biodiversity.
- Misidentification of species can lead to misleading fisheries data, impacting conservation efforts.
Why it matters
Accurate identification of marine species is crucial for conservation efforts and understanding biodiversity.
Tags
Entities
Echinorhinus roinee· SpeciesKerala· LocationZoological Survey of India· OrganizationICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute· OrganizationDr. Dhriti Banerjee· Person
Source
Times of India
