Discovery of New Snake Eel Species: Ophichthus Suryai Off Odisha Coast

Tags: Science and Technology State News

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India's (ZSI) regional center in Gopalpur, Odisha, have identified a new species of snake eel, Ophichthus suryai, along the Odisha coast. 

An Overview of the News

• This discovery honors Surya Kumar Mohanty, former joint director of Fisheries & Animal Resources Development Department of the Odisha government.

Specimen Collection

• Locations: Specimens collected from:

  • Subarnarekha estuary

  • Bahuda estuary

• Additional Collection Site: Coastal fishers at Paradip Fish Landing Centre

• Publication: Findings published in the Bulletin of Marine Science by Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science, University of Miami

Distinct Features of Ophichthus Suryai

• Dorsal Fin Origin (DFO)

  • Located just above or slightly anterior to the gill opening

• Unique Vertebral Count and Teeth Patterns

  • Differentiates it from other species within the Ophichthus genus

• Pectoral Fin Characteristics

  • Small, rounded, and white in color

  • No dark blotch on the anterior lobe of the dorsal fin

About Odisha

• Formation - 1 April 1936

• Capital - Bhubaneswar

• Governor - Raghubar Das

• Chief Minister - Mohan Charan Majhi

• Rajya Sabha - 10 seats

• Lok Sabha - 21 seats

• There are a total of 147 seats in Odisha Assembly.