New Finless Snake Eel Species Discovered Off Colachel Coast
The National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR), Kochi, under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, has recently identified a new species of finless snake eel. Named *Apterichtus kanniyakumari*, this discovery marks the rich marine biodiversity of the Arabian Sea near the Colachel coast. The finding was published in the international journal *Zootaxa* and honours the cultural and geographical significance of Kanniyakumari district.
Discovery and Identification
Researchers collected two specimens off the Colachel coast during deep-sea trawling at a depth of 100 metres. Fishermen had previously reported catches of this eel. The team conducted detailed morphological studies, vertebral counts, and DNA-based molecular analysis. These confirmed the eel as a new species within the genus *Apterichtus*.
Distinctive Morphological Features
The new species is characterised by specific body proportions – head length is 9.6-9.7% of total length (TL), tail length 1.8-1.9% of TL, and body depth at gill openings ranges from 42.1% to 54.8% of TL. It has three preopercular and nine supratemporal pores. The teeth are conical and uniserial on jaws and vomer. Its body displays a distinct golden-yellow colour with a pale white ventral head marked by yellow lines along the lower jaw. Three black blotches appear behind the eyes, at the rictus, and behind the origin of rictus.
Molecular Analysis and Classification
Mitochondrial CO1 gene analysis places *Apterichtus kanniyakumari* in a separate clade alongside its sympatric species *Apterichtus nanjilnaduensis*. The mean vertebral formula for the new species is 52-131, further distinguishing it from related species.
Significance of the Discovery
This marks the 16th new species discovered from the Indian coast by the NBFGR team. The discovery marks the unexplored biodiversity of the Arabian Sea, especially around the Colachel region. It puts stress on the need for systematic surveys and taxonomic research to reveal hidden marine diversity. Such efforts are vital for sustainable management and conservation of marine resources.
Regional Biodiversity and Conservation
Kanniyakumari district is noted for its cultural, linguistic, historical, and geographical richness. The marine biodiversity here remains underexplored. This discovery brings attention to the ecological importance of the region and encourages further scientific exploration to strengthen India’s biodiversity catalogue.
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