New deep-sea fish species 'Indian dory' discovered in Arabian Sea by CMFRI
The Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) in Kochi, Kerala, has identified a new species of deep-sea fish from the Arabian Sea off the southern coast of Kerala. The discovery adds to the known biodiversity of the region's marine life.
The newly identified fish belongs to the genus Cyttopsis, a primitive group of marine fishes commonly known as 'dories'. Named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory), it was found at depths ranging from 350 to 500 metres along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea.
The discovery is based on six specimens collected from deep-sea trawl landings at the Shakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kollam. Researchers led by CMFRI scientist Ratheesh Kumar R. confirmed the fish as a new species after conducting traditional taxonomic analysis combined with advanced molecular tools, according to an official release from the institute.
The research findings have been published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Fisheries, a peer-reviewed scientific publication.
