New genus of snake eel finless has been found around the Colachel Coast - Apterichtus kanniyakumari

An Unusual Find below the Arabian Sea.

In a new breakthrough in marine research, scientists of the National Bureau of fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) in Kochi have discovered a brand new species of finless snake eel off the Colachel coast of the Kanniyakumari district. Recently published in the international collection journal, Zootaxa, the finding contributes to the ever-growing list of marine jewels that are buried under the Arabian Sea. Appreciately, it was rightfully fit to rename the eel Apterichtus kanniyakumari in honour of the cultural and geographical value of the area.

From Nets to New Species

This discovery started when local fishermen used to report on observing strange catches of snake eels on deep waters. Following this, there was when deep-sea trawling where two specimens were obtained at around 100 metres deep. By carefully examining the morphology, the number of vertebrae, and molecular studies of the eel, the scientists established the eel as an unknown species in the genus Apterichtus.

Distinctive Tidings of Apterichtus kanniyakumari.

The new species is unique in the body proportions. The length of the head constitutes approximately 9.6-9.7 percent of the total length, and that of the tail is and 1.8-1.9. It is a lean body, which is deeper at the gill apertures by 42-55 of total length. The eel is also provided with three preopercular and nine supratemporal pores together with sharp and concal teeth, arranged in a single row. It is a spectacular sight in appearance maturity, and has a golden-yellow colour, the underside paler white, and three typical black holes wherever the head is.

Genetic Omen and Biodiversity Meaning.

Molecular research using the CO1 gene in the mitochondrial genome of the species put the species in a separate clade closely related to Apterichtus nanjilnaduensis, another eel native to the area. It is the 16th new marine species to be found in the Indian waters by the NBFGR team, indicating the underexplored biosphere concerning biodiversity of the Arabian Sea.

Why This Matters

In addition to the fact that the discovery was a scientific breakthrough, it puts an accent on the necessity of the systematic exploration and protection of the seas. Not only is seas off Kanniyakumari culturally diverse, but also ecologically unique. The conservation of this submerged biodiversity is vital in the long term sustainability of the marine resources in India.