ICAR-CMFRI identifies new deep-sea fish from Arabian Sea
The ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (ICAR-CMFRI), Kochi has discovered a new deep-sea fish from the Arabian Sea off southern Kerala.
Named Cyttopsis indica (Indian dory), it was found at depths of 350-500 metres along the continental slope of the eastern Lakshadweep Sea. The newly identified fish belongs to the genus Cyttopsis, a primitive group of marine fishes commonly known as "dories." The discovery is based on six specimens collected from deep-sea trawl landings at Sakthikulangara fishing harbour in Kollam.
Researchers led by CMFRI Scientist Dr Ratheesh Kumar R confirmed the fish as a new species after carrying out traditional taxonomic analysis combined with advanced molecular tools. Until now, the fish seen in the Indian Ocean was believed to be Cyttopsis rosea, a species with distribution now confined to the Atlantic Ocean after this study. The DNA analysis revealed a stark genetic divergence from all other known species in its genus, correcting a long-standing taxonomic error.
The research was published in the latest issue of the Indian Journal of Fisheries. The finding underlines the rich, yet largely unexplored, marine biodiversity hidden in the deep waters off India’s southwest coast.
