New Species of Dogfish Shark Discovered Off Kerala Coast

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new dogfish shark species, named Squalus hima, off the coast of Kerala. The new species was identified based on unique physical traits. This discovery was part of a deep-sea survey under the Ministry of Earth Sciences' 'Deep Ocean Mission'.

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a new species of dogfish shark off the coast of Kerala. The small shark, referred to as Squalus hima, stands out due to a distinct number of teeth, trunk and head heights, and fin structure and color.

"The new species was discovered from samples we collected from a fishing harbour in Kerala near the Arabian Sea," explained Bineesh K K, the team's leader from ZSI's Marine Biology Regional Centre.

Identified from 13 specimens collected up to 1000 metres deep along the southwest coast of India, this finding emphasizes the diversity of deep-sea sharks in the region. According to ZSI Director Dhriti Banerjee, this survey is part of the 'Deep Ocean Mission' initiated by India's Ministry of Earth Sciences.

(With inputs from agencies.)