Scientists Identify Indian Bramble Shark as New Species

On November 12, 2026, researchers from the Zoological Survey of India and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute identified Echinorhinus roinee, the Indian Bramble Shark, as a distinct deep-sea species. It had been misclassified for decades as the Atlantic bramble shark (Echinorhinus brucus).

Collection and distinguishing features

Specimens were collected at Sakthikulangara Fishing Harbour in Kollam, Kerala, after deep-sea shrimp trawlers brought them ashore as accidental catches. The shark can reach three metres and inhabits continental-slope waters at depths of about 350–450 metres. Compared with related species, it has larger eyes and pelvic fins, and a longer region between its snout and gills.

Genetic findings and publication

DNA analysis distinguished Echinorhinus roinee from the Atlantic bramble shark and the Pacific prickly shark (Echinorhinus cookei). Genetic records suggest its range may extend to waters off Oman, Sri Lanka and Thailand. The findings appeared in Records of the Zoological Survey of India, Volume 126, Issue 1S, 2026. The species name honours Roinee, daughter of Zoological Survey of India Director Dhriti Banerjee. The Ministry of Earth Sciences supported the research under India’s Deep Ocean Mission.

Important Facts for Exams

• ZSI collections: The Zoological Survey of India inherited zoological collections from the Asiatic Society’s former museum and the Indian Museum’s zoological section.
• Marine taxonomy: Among CMFRI’s initial research areas were marine-organism taxonomy and the biology of exploited fish and shellfish stocks.
• Animal DNA barcoding: Animal DNA barcoding commonly compares a standard mitochondrial COI sequence; it complements morphological evidence rather than replacing formal taxonomic diagnosis.
• Zoological type specimens: For zoological species-group names published after 1999, ICZN rules require fixation of a name-bearing type and identification of the collection holding it.