New Species of Dogfish Shark, Squalus hima, Discovered Off Kerala Coast

Tags: Environment State News

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of dogfish shark off the coast of Kerala. 

An Overview of the News

• Named Squalus Hima, this species was identified based on its unique characteristics, including the number of teeth, trunk and head heights, fin structure, and fin color. 

• The discovery was made from samples collected at a fishing harbor in Kerala near the Arabian Sea.

Characteristics and Significance

• Dogfish, a small shark species, are highly sought after for their fins, liver oil, and meat, often being caught as bycatch by fishermen. 

• The new species, Squalus hima, stands out due to its distinctive morphological features. 

• The discovery of this species underscores the rich marine biodiversity of the region and highlights the importance of preserving deep-sea ecosystems.

Research and Surveys

• A total of 13 specimens were collected from the southwest coast of India during surveys conducted up to 1000 meters along the coastline.

• These surveys, part of the Deep Ocean Mission conducted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aimed to understand the diversity of deep-sea sharks in the region. 

• The taxonomic re-evaluation of the genus Squalus in the Indo-Pacific and other regions has led to the discovery of many previously undescribed species, contributing significantly to marine biology.

About Kerala

• Capital - Thiruvananthapuram

• Chief minister - Pinarayi Vijayan

• Rajya Sabha    - 9 seats

• Lok Sabha - 20 seats

• Symbols of Kerala:-

  • Bird - Great hornbill

  • Flower - Golden shower tree

  • Fruit - Jackfruit

  • Mammal - Indian elephant

  • Tree - Coconut Tree

About Zoological Survey of India

• Founded - 1 July 1916

• Headquarters - Kolkata

• Director - Dr. Dhriti Banerjee

Additional Information:-

• The Vizhinjam Port in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, achieved a historic milestone with the arrival of its first container ship, 'San Fernando'.

• On 23rd June 2024, Kozhikode in north Kerala became India's first UNESCO "City of Literature."

• Thiruvananthapuram Airport Earns India's First Zero Waste to Landfill Accolade.